Britain's roads are bracing for their worst Bank Holiday congestion in a decade, with over 19 million leisure trips expected between Friday and Monday. The RAC has sounded the alarm, warning drivers to prepare for extensive delays as millions take to the roads for a long weekend.
Friday, May 24th, is set to be the heaviest day on the roads, with an estimated 3.8 million leisure journeys planned – significantly higher than previous Bank Holiday Fridays. This will lead to gridlock on key routes like the M25, M5 and A303, where journey times could double or triple in some areas.
The surge in traffic is down to a perfect storm of factors: better weather for many, school holidays, and families making the most of their time off. Drivers are being urged to plan carefully, check traffic updates before setting off, and consider alternative routes or travel times to avoid the worst congestion.
Early morning or late evening travel on peak days might be the best way to avoid delays. Breakdown services are also gearing up for an influx of call-outs as more vehicles hit the road, increasing the risk of mechanical issues. Motorists are advised to conduct basic vehicle checks before setting off – including tyre pressure, oil levels and windscreen washer fluid.
With millions planning getaways within the UK, this forecast is a cause for concern. The sheer volume of traffic highlights the ongoing challenge of managing road capacity during peak travel periods and underscores the importance of public transport as an alternative – although rail services may also experience increased demand.