The UK's motorways are bracing themselves for a long bank holiday weekend of gridlock as millions of drivers hit the roads on Friday afternoon, with forecasters warning of widespread delays that will be felt across major routes.
Ahead of the May bank holiday, data from the RAC shows that Friday, May 3rd, between 2pm and 7pm is expected to be the peak time for traffic, with a perfect storm of holidaymakers combining with regular commuters causing significant bottlenecks. Analysis predicts journey times will extend as a result.
The M25 - specifically between Junctions 7 (A20, M23) and 16 (M40) - is set to be the busiest road to avoid this weekend, with drivers warned of severe congestion due to its critical role in London and the South East's transport network.
Despite rising cost-of-living pressures, including fuel prices that remain relatively high, many households are still opting for short breaks and day trips. While this contributes to a predictable pattern of increased travel during bank holidays, drivers are being urged to plan their journeys carefully - considering alternative routes or off-peak hours - to mitigate congestion.
The economic impact of these delays is far-reaching: businesses may see operational costs increase due to delayed deliveries, while individuals will lose leisure time and face higher fuel bills as a result of extended travel.