Drivers, residents, businesses – and even runners at the Great North Run – are being urged to find out more about what is planned to improve journeys on motorways and major roads in the North East.

Highways England will be out and about in Gateshead and South Shields next month letting people know how its multi million pound programme will improve safety and create better journeys for people travelling around the region.

The company is using an exhibition van to give drivers and local residents the chance to speak to staff from different sections of the business, in one place at the same time.

Highways England's regional director Rich Marshall said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to come and speak to us to find out more about how much we are improving journeys in the North East area and also to raise any questions they might have.

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"We will have people working on long term projects, teams who focus on maintenance and traffic officers who patrol our network.

"Using this exhibition van allows us to take our plans on the road and talk to the people that are directly affected by our work. If you can't attend one of the events then there will be a chance to take part in a twitter question and answer session on the Friday using the hashtag #askHE."

The Highways England team will be outside the green mall at the intu Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YA on Friday 07 September between 11.30am and 6.30pm.

On Saturday 08 September they will be attending the Pasta Party, Mill Road car park, Gateshead, NE8 5JB between 9.30am and 5.30pm

On Sunday 09 September they will be at the finish line of the Great North Run at South Shields between 8.30am and 4pm

People can learn more about the events and give feedback on the events page.

Major projects planned in the North East:

• A1 Birtley to Coal House

• A1 Scotswood to North Brunton

• A1 in Northumberland

• A19 Testos & A19 Downhill Lane

• A19 Norton to Wynyard

• A19 Coast Road.

(MH/CM)