Highways links up with tourist association to help Cornwall

6:01pm Monday 19th May 2008

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As part of its commitment to provide more reliable journeys the Highways Agency has teamed up with South West Tourism to produce a new region wide leaflet designed to help visitors avoid traffic jams in the South West during peak holiday periods.

Summer Getaway 2008 sets out the main routes and traffic hotspots where congestion is likely at peak times. It also identifies the main tourist attractions en route where visitors can break their journey and make much better use of their holiday time.

Malcolm Roberts, the Highways Agency's Area Performance Manager for Devon, Cornwall and Dorset said: "We want visitors to have a good time. So we urge them to use the information we give on traffic congestion to avoid the busiest times and places and consider going to one of the many tourist attractions to stagger their journey and avoid congestion. Remember to leave plenty of time to get to your destination and take a break en route so you don't drive whilst tired."

The South West attracts more than 8million visitors from all over the country during the summer months, who come for the beautiful coastline and countryside as well as the many tourist attractions throughout the region.

But this does create additional traffic on the main roads at peak times, especially around weekends. Traffic can build up at hot spots causing delays for visitors driving to their holiday destination.

The message in Summer Getaway 2008 is that with a little planning, visitors can reduce the time they spend driving and make much better use of their break. Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism: said: "The South West has so much to do and see from the dramatic coastline, beautiful countryside, history and heritage, and a vast amount of entertainment, so visitors coming down during the summer months want to get to their destination as soon as possible and start enjoying their break. This map helps visitors to plan their journeys and visit our wonderful attractions en route."

The new leaflet offers advice on the main hot spots, where and when the jams are expected, and safety hints for drivers and over thirty different attractions where visitors can break their journey and avoid the jams.

The Highways Agency is postponing all routine maintenance work in Devon and Cornwall until the autumn.

Malcolm Roberts added: "During the summer we would urge people to refer to our leaflet and plan their journeys carefully during these times."

The Highways Agency is advertising the leaflet in motorway service areas on routes leading to the South West. Copies are available from the HA information line on 08457 504030 or by clicking on the link below.