Record May Bank Holiday Traffic Expected, RAC Warns of Peak Travel Times
UKPulse Local Desk
Millions of drivers are expected to hit UK roads this May bank holiday, potentially leading to record traffic levels. The RAC has identified specific times to avoid for smoother journeys.
- An estimated 22.2 million leisure car journeys are anticipated this May bank holiday weekend.
- Saturday, 4th May, is predicted to be the busiest day for travel.
- The RAC advises avoiding travel between 10am and 3pm on Saturday for quicker journeys.
- Roadworks on major routes have been reduced to minimise disruption.
More than 22 million leisure car journeys will clog UK roads this May bank holiday weekend, making it potentially one of the busiest early May getaways on record, the RAC has warned.
Saturday 4th May will see the heaviest traffic, with 4.4 million separate car trips planned as families flock to coastal areas and national parks. The RAC has pinpointed 10am to 3pm as the worst time to travel, urging drivers to set off earlier or later to avoid the gridlock.
The surge reflects Britons' continued appetite for staycations, boosted by improved weather forecasts and the long weekend. Popular destinations across England, Wales and Scotland are preparing for an influx of visitors seeking domestic breaks.
National Highways is lifting more than 1,000 miles of roadworks across England to ease the pressure, ensuring 96% of its network will be free from cones and temporary speed limits. The move aims to keep traffic flowing as millions take to major routes.
Motorists are advised to check their vehicles before travelling, including tyre pressure, oil levels and screenwash, to reduce breakdown risks. Planning routes in advance and monitoring real-time traffic updates through apps or radio could help drivers navigate inevitable delays on what promises to be one of the year's busiest weekends on the roads.
Why this matters: Understanding peak travel times can help UK drivers plan their journeys more effectively, avoiding significant delays and making the most of their bank holiday weekend. The predicted record traffic also highlights the ongoing popularity of domestic travel.
What this means for you: Drivers face significantly longer journey times and higher fuel costs due to extended idling in traffic jams. Those travelling by car should expect delays of up to several hours on major routes, particularly motorways leading to coastal areas and popular destinations. Rail passengers may benefit from avoiding road travel, though train services typically see increased demand and higher weekend fares during bank holidays.