Sixteen and a half million leisure journeys will be taken by car this bank holiday weekend, the highest number in four years and up one million on last year, according to data from RAC Traffic Watch.
Based on the travel plans of over 2,000 UK motorists, the RAC is predicting a late spring surge on the roads, with leisure traffic on motorways and major A-roads peaking on bank holiday Monday at nearly 5m journeys. Saturday 27 May is also expected to see a significant number of journeys by road – around 4.3m in total – but it may be Friday 26 that will be most hectic as getaway traffic mixes with normal commuter traffic.
The prospect of some early summer heat for much of the country this weekend is also going to add to the queues. The RAC’s research was conducted before the weather looked so promising – meaning if anything the roads could be even busier than predicted.
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.
To reduce the chance of being involved in a breakdown, the RAC advises carrying out pre-drive checks including oil and coolant levels, checking tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated correctly and checking screenwash is topped up. Those heading on a longer drive are encouraged to stay alert by planning rest stops.
