Roadworks suspension planned to support Chester Christmas shoppers
Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed a suspension of all non-essential roadworks during the Christmas period to help keep traffic moving and support local shopping and leisure.
The embargo will be in place from 11.59pm on Sunday 16 November 2025 until 11.59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026. It will cover Chester city centre, Ellesmere Port, Frodsham, Neston, Northwich and Winsford town centres.
Only urgent and emergency repairs will be permitted during this time.
Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport & Highways, said:
“At this time of year we of course see a significant increase in both the number of vehicles and pedestrians in and around our major shopping centres, in the run-up to and through the Christmas and New Year periods.
“A roadworks embargo has worked well in previous years and will help visitors and shoppers access the borough’s wonderful shopping and leisure facilities by keeping traffic running smoothly.
“Our Streetworks team may, of course, need to grant permits for work on the road network during these dates if emergency repairs are needed to ensure the supply of vital utility services to homes and businesses.”
The council is also promoting Chester’s Park and Ride service as a convenient option for visitors. Fares start at £2.50 per person, with group tickets available for £5 for up to five people. Buses run every 10 to 12 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 15 minutes on Sundays and bank holidays.
Extended hours for late-night shopping begin on Thursday 20 November and continue every Thursday until Christmas. Full details and timetables are available on the council’s website.
Residents are also being encouraged to consider other modes of transport such as bus, train, walking, wheeling or cycling to help reduce congestion.
The suspension applies only to the borough’s road network. The council’s Highways Service is working with other network operators, including National Highways and Network Rail, to minimise disruption through off-peak and night-time working.
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