Drivers preparing for trips during the upcoming August bank holiday weekend face a strong likelihood of significant delays, according to new warnings issued by the RAC. The motoring organisation is urging motorists to strategically plan their departure times, with specific recommendations aimed at helping them avoid the worst of the anticipated traffic.
For those intending to travel on Friday, 23rd August, the RAC suggests setting off either before 9 am or after 2 pm. This advice is crucial as Friday afternoon is expected to see a substantial surge in traffic as holidaymakers begin their long weekend getaways. The congestion is predicted to be particularly acute on major arteries leading out of urban centres and towards popular holiday destinations.
Saturday, 24th August, is forecast to be the busiest day on the roads, with an estimated 2.8 million leisure journeys planned. This volume of traffic is expected to cause widespread disruption across the UK's motorway and A-road network. Routes such as sections of the M25, the M6, and the A303, a key route to the South West, are highlighted as areas where drivers could experience the longest and most frustrating delays.
Overall, the RAC estimates that a staggering 16.7 million leisure trips will be undertaken across the four-day bank holiday period, from Friday through to Monday. This substantial number underscores the potential for widespread congestion and the importance of proactive planning for anyone intending to travel by car. The organisation also advises drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working order before embarking on journeys, including checking tyre pressures, oil levels, and coolant.
The August bank holiday traditionally marks one of the busiest periods for road travel in the UK, as families take advantage of the last long weekend before the autumn. These warnings from the RAC serve as an important reminder for the public to consider alternative travel times or routes where possible, and to be prepared for longer journey durations than usual.