Road users are being encouraged to plan their journeys before they set off and to visit the Highways Agency's website (http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic) which provides live traffic information, gives details of incidents, and shows where motorways and major A roads are flowing freely.

The website is now also available in a mobile-friendly version, which will load automatically on most devices or can be accessed directly from http://www.highways.gov.uk/mobile.

Road users can also contact our information line (08457 50 40 30) for up-to-the-minute information or tune in to DAB digital "Traffic Radio" or local radio stations to keep up to date while they are on the move.

Highways Agency Traffic Officers will also be on patrol and working in our control rooms 24-7 to help traffic flow smoothly and assist drivers who get into difficulty.

If you break down on a motorway – Highways Agency top five tips

Remember it's illegal to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, so never stop to read a map, go to the toilet or answer the phone - always drive to the next services area.

If there is an emergency, follow our top five personal safety tips:

* Park on the hard shoulder as far away from the carriageway as you can and near an emergency roadside telephone if possible – turn on your hazard warning lights.

* Get out immediately, with any passengers, through the nearside doors. Leave pets in the vehicle. Don't try even the simplest of repairs.

* Contact us through the emergency roadside telephone - always use this in preference to a mobile phone, as your location will be pinpointed on the operator's screen at the regional control centre.

* Wait for help behind a safety fence if possible - or as far away as you can get from the carriageway and hard shoulder.

* Get back in your vehicle if you feel at risk from another person - fasten your seatbelt and lock all doors. Get out again when the risk has passed.