As millions of drivers hit the roads this bank holiday weekend, a stark warning from the RAC reveals Monday afternoon's 2-3 pm slot as the worst hour to drive – with record-breaking congestion expected due to a perfect storm of tourists, day-trippers and staycation-goers.
The predicted traffic chaos is down to an influx of visitors flocking to popular destinations across the UK, coupled with the sheer volume of drivers taking advantage of the long weekend. The RAC has issued a stark warning for motorists to plan ahead, check traffic updates regularly, and consider alternative routes if possible – or face potentially lengthy delays.
With over 70% of drivers planning staycations or short trips within the UK this bank holiday weekend, the expected surge in traffic threatens to bring even more misery to already congested roads. The RAC has urged drivers to be patient and prepared for delays, as many routes will have speed restrictions in place due to ongoing roadworks.
Drivers can take advantage of RAC apps and websites to check for updates on roadworks and congestion before embarking on their journeys. Highways England, meanwhile, is deploying additional resources – including traffic management officers and CCTV cameras – to monitor roads and respond quickly to incidents.