Holidaymakers heading off on their travels this summer are being invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of England’s road numbering system and the introduction of A-roads. 

A new survey by National Highways has revealed that 4 in 10 people intend to holiday in the United Kingdom this year with the South West the top destination.

The survey also showed that 3 in 10 people will be heading to the UK seaside for a summer getaway.

And holidaymakers heading off on their travels this summer are being invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of England’s road numbering system and the introduction of A-roads.

National Highways manages around 2,600 miles of major A-roads in England with many tourist destinations relying on them to help bring visitors to some of the most iconic locations in the country.

Among some of the most popular A-roads likely to be busy this summer include the A30, known as the “gateway to the South West”, while the A66 meanders its way through the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales National Park on one side and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the other.

The National Trust is supporting National Highways in its celebration of the ‘staycation’ which coincides with a year-long celebration of the road numbering system.

To be in with a chance of winning one of six prizes from the National Trust, those heading off on their travels simply need to reply or comment on one of our competition social media posts on Facebook or Twitter writing about their favourite holiday moment, including a video or photo.

Alternatively, entrants can send us a direct message on Instagram about their favourite holiday moment including a video or photo.

The competition was officially launched today (Monday 24 July 2023) and closes on Sunday 10th September 2023 at 11.59pm.

With more than 500 places of historic and natural beauty around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ‘staycationers’ will never be far away from a National Trust site. 

National Highways Customer Services Director, Andrew Butterfield said: “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the roads numbering system and it continues to play an enormous role in helping people navigate their journeys. 

“As our survey data shows, we expect tens of thousands of people to be travelling on our major A-roads to enjoy a ‘staycation’ this summer and there’s no better time to enjoy some of the wonderful scenery we have right here on our doorstep. Whether it’s the A1, the A30 or the A595, the A-road system is a major part of our road network, and it helps to connect people to places. 

“To mark the 100th anniversary, we’re delighted to be launching this special social media campaign and we look forward to seeing how people enjoy themselves this summer.” 

Rachel Johnston, Head of Holidays at the National Trust, said: “As we head into summer holiday season, we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the historic houses, beautiful gardens and wonderful coast and countryside in our care.  

“A National Trust holiday home is the perfect base from which to explore the delights on your doorsteps and as such, we’re pleased to be able to offer the six winners of National Highways’ competition a complementary stay in one of our cottages.” 

And those heading off on their travels are being urged to have a safe T.R.I.P by using the new National Highways journey planning checklist before setting off. 

National Highways says its important people carry out basic vehicle checks, and plan regular rest breaks every two hours to help reduce the number of collisions caused by fatigue.  

The T.R.I.P checklist is based on four key principles which are:   

• Top–up. Fuel, oil and screen wash.  
• Rest. Take a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours. 
• Inspect. Check tyre pressure and tread.  
• Prepare. Have a plan for all weather conditions.  

National Highways also advises to make sure your check the Met Office weather forecast for your route and destination. 

The questions were part of a nationally representative survey of 2010 adults across GB. Research was conducted between 2nd and 5th June 2023.  

The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). 

More information about the competition can be found here: 

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/a-roads-to-summer-competition/

Many National Trust car parks are equipped with Electric Vehicle charging points and EV drivers are advised to check the National Trust website for information about these facilities. 

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About National Highways

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways’ press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)