Nineteen million leisure trips will clog Britain's roads this May bank holiday weekend, with Friday afternoon set to bring the worst traffic chaos in months. The RAC has warned motorists to avoid travelling between 2pm and 7pm on Friday, 3rd May, when congestion will peak across major routes.
Key motorways including the M25, M6, M4, and the A303 face severe delays as families head off for long weekend breaks. The motoring organisation's data shows millions of drivers will hit the road simultaneously, creating potential gridlock on routes to popular holiday destinations.
The early May timing, coupled with improving weather, is expected to drive more people towards car-based domestic holidays and short breaks. Britain's road network regularly buckles under bank holiday pressure, with existing infrastructure struggling to handle the dramatic spike in traffic volumes.
The RAC advises drivers planning Friday departures to leave before 2pm or delay travel until Saturday or Sunday morning when roads will be quieter. Motorists should also complete vehicle checks before setting off to prevent breakdowns that worsen traffic problems for everyone.
National Highways and local authorities will monitor key routes throughout the weekend, providing real-time updates to manage traffic flow. Whilst the Department for Transport has outlined long-term road network investment plans, managing peak holiday traffic remains dependent on driver planning and behaviour during these busy periods.