Herefordshire Council has asked utility companies not to carry out street works in the county's major shopping towns during the busy run-up to Christmas.
In keeping with policy adopted in previous years, the council has written to all utility companies asking them to restrict planned street works within the main shopping towns during the run-in to Christmas.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "As a council we want to help local businesses and the public in general during this busy season by limiting the amount of street works on all major routes and shopping precincts within the council's urban areas.
"The approach to Christmas is the major trading period of the year, creating a significant increase in traffic volumes within the main shopping areas, and the absence of roadworks will help both shoppers and businesses," he added.
The restriction applies to major routes through Hereford city and the towns of Leominster, Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Kington. The restriction will be in operation from December 1, 2008 to January 2, 2009, and will also apply to works on other roads that may have a direct impact on the major routes or main shopping areas. Emergency or urgent works will not be affected.