The UK is bracing for its busiest late May Bank Holiday weekend on the roads since 2019, with the RAC forecasting an estimated 19 million separate leisure car trips. This surge in travel is expected to begin on Friday, 24th May, and continue throughout the long weekend, potentially leading to widespread congestion on motorways and A-roads across the country.
According to the motoring organisation's analysis, Friday is anticipated to be the peak day for travel, as many people embark on their journeys after the working week. Saturday is also expected to be exceptionally busy, with a high volume of vehicles heading to various destinations for leisure activities and short breaks. The forecast highlights a strong appetite among Britons for domestic travel and holidays, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.
The sheer volume of vehicles on the road is likely to impact journey times, particularly on well-known holiday routes and major arteries connecting urban centres to coastal areas and national parks. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys carefully, allowing for extra time and considering alternative routes where possible to mitigate the effects of potential delays. Traffic hotspots are expected around major cities, tourist destinations, and key transport interchanges.
This predicted increase in road usage comes as many families and individuals look to make the most of the extended weekend. Factors contributing to this trend could include the improving weather forecast, the ongoing appeal of staycations, and a desire to travel following recent economic pressures. The RAC's data provides a valuable insight into the public's travel intentions ahead of one of the year's most popular long weekends.
Motorists are also encouraged to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before setting off, checking tyres, oil, and coolant levels to prevent breakdowns that could further exacerbate traffic problems. The combination of high traffic volumes and potential vehicle issues could lead to significant disruptions for travellers across the UK.