Secret Summer: how we work behind-the-scenes to keep the South West moving during the holidays

Summer in the South West is special. Whether it’s families heading to the golden beaches of Cornwall, adventurers exploring the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor, or festival goers seeking out the vibrant music scenes in Bristol, the region comes alive with visitors eager to enjoy everything it has to offer. As someone who lives and works in the South West, I understand how vital these summer journeys are—not just for the people taking them, but for the region's economy, which thrives on tourism.

At National Highways, we work tirelessly to make sure that these journeys are as smooth and safe as possible. As the South West Regional Director, it’s my privilege to lead a dedicated team that is deeply committed to keeping our roads in the best possible condition during the summer holiday period. Here’s how we do it.

Planning ahead: Our year-round commitment

One of the most important aspects of our work is planning. We don’t just think about the busy summer months when the roads are packed with holiday traffic; we plan years in advance to ensure that the necessary maintenance and improvement works can be carried out without causing disruption during peak travel times.

In the South West, the summer is particularly busy, and we know how important it is to keep the traffic moving. That’s why we impose embargos on major roadworks during the summer holidays. This careful scheduling means that when families are ready to set off on their holidays, they can do so without the frustration of unexpected road closures or significant delays.

Working through the night for daytime safety

The South West is a region of outstanding natural beauty, and part of our responsibility is to maintain that beauty, even along our motorways and major roads. To ensure the roads remain safe and aesthetically pleasing, we undertake essential maintenance tasks such as grass cutting, drain clearing, and litter picking — but we do it at night.

By carrying out this work during the quieter hours, we minimise the impact on traffic during the day. It’s all part of our commitment to keeping the roads clear and safe while ensuring that drivers aren’t inconvenienced.

Real-time monitoring and clear communication

When it comes to keeping drivers informed and safe, real-time monitoring is crucial. We’ve invested in advanced technology that allows us to monitor traffic conditions across the South West continuously. Our traffic officers are on the ground, patrolling key routes and ready to respond quickly to any incidents.

I’m particularly proud of how we use this real-time data to communicate with the public. We set electronic signs and signals to warn drivers of delays or incidents ahead, giving them the information they need to make informed decisions. It’s all about preventing small issues from escalating and keeping everyone on the move.

Preparing drivers for the journey ahead

Preparation is key, and we want to make sure drivers are as ready as they can be before they set off on their summer holidays. That’s why we run public safety campaigns each year, focusing on the essentials of vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices. This year, we’ve launched the TRIP campaign, which stands for:

• Top up oil, fuel, and screenwash
• Rest every two hours
• Inspect tyres
• Prepare for the weather

The TRIP campaign is a simple yet powerful reminder for everyone hitting the road this summer. By following these steps, drivers can reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure a safer, more enjoyable journey.

Intelligence-led traffic management

Understanding where and when traffic is likely to peak is a complex task, but it’s one that we approach with a combination of experience and data-driven insights. We work closely with the tourism industry, using information on bed and campsite occupancy rates to predict traffic flows. We also collaborate with organisers of major events, such as festivals and concerts, to manage the additional traffic these events bring.

In addition to this, we analyse historical traffic data to anticipate busy periods and adjust our operations accordingly. This proactive approach allows us to manage traffic more effectively and ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they become problems.

Quick responses and strategic patrols

We’ve positioned vehicle recovery teams at strategic locations like Bristol, Exeter, and Cornwall, ensuring that we can respond quickly to breakdowns and keep the roads clear.

During the summer, we also extend our traffic officer patrols to cover key hotspots in Cornwall, providing extra support where it’s most needed. These efforts are all about ensuring that help is never far away, and that any disruptions are dealt with swiftly.

Collaboration for better journeys

Finally, I want to highlight the importance of collaboration. Our work at National Highways is not done in isolation; we partner closely with emergency services, local authorities, and the media to keep drivers informed and safe. This collaboration ensures that our efforts are supported by accurate and timely information, making every journey as smooth as possible.

Jason Hones is Regional Director - South West at National Highways.

This blog also appeared on the South West Infrastructure Partnership webpage.