August bank holiday traffic warning for fleets

The RAC is expecting 12.5 million separate leisure journeys to be made by car this August bank holiday weekend.

New figures from RAC Breakdown estimate Friday to be the most popular day for getting away with around 4.3m separate leisure trips planned by drivers, followed by Saturday with 2.3m, and Sunday and Monday with 1.3m each.

An estimated additional 3.3m trips will be taken at some point between Friday and the end of Monday, a number that could increase dramatically if there is a further good spell of weather.

Focus of the jams on the roads is likely to be on the M25 near London – where transport analytics specialists at Inrix predict the stretch between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing will see some of the busiest conditions throughout the weekend – and the in the south-west of England, on the A303 in particular.

The RAC’s research suggests some 3.6m leisure trips by car are planned to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset alone between Friday and Monday, peaking on Friday with around 2m individual journeys.

Inrix also calls out the M60, between J7 for the A56 (Altrincham) and J18 for the M62, and the M25 clockwise, between J7 for the M23 and J16 for the M40, as roads that are likely to see bank holiday tailbacks.

RAC Breakdown’s Rod Dennis said: “Despite more people choosing to head abroad on holiday this summer compared to the last two years, the cost-of-living crisis has meant many people have again opted for a break in the UK – and that’s lead to some busy conditions on the roads, and sadly a lot of breakdowns.

“In fact, we’ve seen no reduction in the numbers of people breaking down this summer compared to last, which again suggests the UK’s roads are just as hectic this summer as they were a year ago.”

He continued: “We’re expecting busy roads to continue throughout this bank holiday weekend, especially to major holiday destinations with people eager to enjoy some time away before the new school terms begin in England and Wales.

“The south-east and south-west of England look as though they may bear the brunt of the traffic, with the message to drivers travelling through these regions clear – head off early in the morning or be prepared to sit in traffic.”

Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue expects to see an increase in travel times throughout the holiday weekend on major roads in the UK, with Thursday and Friday seeing the largest delays compared to normal.

“Drivers planning to get away are going to find themselves competing with commuters and holiday travellers for road space, so we recommend adjusting travel plans or pack their patience,” he said.

Around 98% of England’s major A-roads and motorways will be free of roadworks over the weekend after National Highways lifted more than 900 miles of works in time for the bank holiday.

Some roadworks need to be kept in place for safety reasons so drivers are urged to plan their journeys before setting off by visiting www.trafficengland.com.