Millions of Drivers Face 'Double Dose of Delays' This Bank Holiday, RAC Warns
UKPulse Local Desk
UK drivers are bracing for significant travel disruption this upcoming bank holiday weekend, with an estimated 18 million leisure trips planned. The RAC warns of a 'double dose of delays' due to increased traffic and ongoing roadworks across the country.
- An estimated 18 million leisure journeys are expected this bank holiday weekend.
- RAC warns of a 'double dose of delays' due to high traffic volumes and roadworks.
- Roads expected to be busiest on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
- Key routes like the M25, M6, M4, and A303 are likely to experience significant congestion.
Eighteen million leisure trips are set to create a "double dose of delays" for drivers this bank holiday weekend, the RAC has warned, with ongoing roadworks compounding the traffic chaos.
Friday afternoon and Saturday morning will see the worst congestion as families head off for short breaks. The motoring organisation predicts substantial queues on major routes, particularly those leading to coastal areas and national parks.
The warning comes as drivers face a dual challenge: record numbers of vehicles on the roads combined with lane closures and reduced speed limits from maintenance projects. While National Highways lifts some roadworks during bank holidays, many restrictions remain in place.
Key trouble spots include the M25, M6, M4, and the A303 - the main route to the South West. Routes out of major cities are also expected to face significant delays as holidaymakers escape for the long weekend.
Motorists are being urged to plan journeys carefully, allowing extra time and considering alternative routes. The forecast highlights the ongoing challenge of bank holiday travel, where discretionary trips consistently stretch the UK's road network beyond capacity, despite efforts by authorities to minimise disruption.
Why this matters: Millions of UK residents rely on road travel for leisure, and significant delays can impact holiday plans, cause frustration, and have economic implications for businesses reliant on tourism. Understanding potential congestion allows for better journey planning.
What this means for you: Bank holiday travellers should expect journey times to double on major routes, particularly on Friday afternoon and Monday evening. Plan alternative routes in advance and consider travelling early morning or late evening to avoid peak congestion. Budget extra fuel costs as stop-start traffic increases consumption by up to 40%.