Bank holiday traffic warning with journey times predicted to quadruple

More than 15 million cars are expected to hit the roads over the bank holiday weekend, with popular routes taking up to four times longer than usual.

Planned roadworks on the A27, M1, M25 and M3 are also likely to contribute to severe delays.

Inrix data shows that popular routes across the UK could take up to four times longer over the bank holiday weekend. Furthermore, it suggests that UK roads will be busiest on Friday 26th May when journeys via stretches of the M25 and M5 that normally take half an hour or less are expected to take over four times as long.

Key findings include:

• Popular routes can take up to four times longer than normal
• UK roads to be busiest on Friday 26th May between 3-5pm
• The M25 is set to be the busiest road; drivers between junctions 7 and 16 on the M25 (both ways) should expect delays of up to 2 hours and 10 minutes

Dr Graham Cookson, chief economist and head of research at Inrix, said: “The combination of good weather, planned roadworks on major roads and the regular post-work getaway, will mean severe delays for many of the 15 million cars on the road this bank holiday weekend.

“At its peak on Friday afternoon between 3-5pm, getting through the worst traffic could take up to four times as long as normal. To beat the travel chaos, our advice to drivers is to check live traffic reports, consider alternative routes or to avoid peak times altogether.”

The RAC has issued a similar warning, with 1m additional leisure journeys expected compared to last year, and nearly 2.5m more than in 2015.

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The late Easter has meant there’s been something of a bank holiday bonanza this year, with up to four days off in the space of just six weeks. But that’s not stopping UK drivers from taking to the road for a leisure trip this coming weekend, especially as the weather at the start of the weekend at least is set to be dry, sunny and very warm for much of the country.

“While we’re expecting leisure journeys to reach a peak on bank holiday Monday – families setting off for a half term trip or taking a day trip to the coast – drivers should be warned that the roads are likely to see significant congestion on Friday 26th May as getaway traffic and everyday commuter traffic combines. We’re expecting it to be bumper-to-bumper from Friday lunchtime onwards on some of the country’s most popular routes.

“We expect the vast majority of roadworks on motorways and major A-roads to be either put on hold or completed in time for the weekend which is good news for drivers but sometimes it only takes a single incident for delays to develop on parts of the road network that are prone to congestion.

“Motorists can dramatically cut the chances of being a breakdown statistic this long weekend by completing some quick pre-drive checks – check your oil and coolant levels, the latter being especially important in warm weather, ensure your tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated correctly, and top up your screenwash. If you’re completing a longer drive, keep yourself alert and your passengers comfortable by planning in regular rest stops.”

Friday, May 26 - UK’s delayed routes, distance, standard and peak journey times and journey time percentage increase

Monday, May 29 - UK’s delayed routes, distance, standard and peak journey times and journey time percentage increase