Drivers are being warned to expect significant congestion on major routes this weekend as millions embark on bank holiday getaways, undeterred by soaring fuel prices. The RAC estimates that 19 million leisure trips will be made by car between Friday and Monday, an increase of one million from last year's spring bank holiday.
Peak Travel Days
Friday and Saturday are projected to see the heaviest getaway traffic, with 3.8 million drivers planning trips each day. Sunday is expected to have 3.4 million leisure journeys, while Monday will see 3.1 million. Additionally, 3.4 million people intend to travel sometime over the weekend but have not yet decided on a specific day.
Worst Congestion Hotspots
Transport analytics company Inrix warns that the worst jams will occur on the M1, M5, M6, and M25. On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise from Junction 10 to Junction 6 is expected to experience the heaviest traffic around 4:45pm as many people finish work. The same stretch is likely to see a second spike at lunchtime on Saturday, with journey times more than double the norm. Queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on Saturday on the M5 southbound from Junction 16 near Bristol to Junction 23 for Bridgwater.
Fuel Prices and Driver Behavior
The RAC commissioned a survey of 2,218 UK drivers, indicating that 39% plan to use motorways or major A roads for a bank holiday leisure trip. This is despite the Iran oil crisis pushing average petrol and diesel prices 26p and 44p per litre higher than before the Middle East conflict began on February 28.
The AA reports that shopping is the most common reason for hitting the road this weekend, followed by visiting friends or family. They also warn of extra congestion around major football stadiums on Sunday afternoon due to the final round of Premier League fixtures. The prediction of warm weather is "exactly the kind of forecast that gets people thinking about a last-minute getaway," the AA added.
Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach 28C in London on Friday, potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far.
Advice from RAC
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: "With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend. And the fact our research shows it's set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend." He urged drivers to ensure their cars are "summer ready" by checking oil and coolant levels, and ensuring all tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure.
The RAC commissioned research company Find Out Now to survey 2,218 UK drivers on April 22 and 23. The results were extrapolated to the 34.5 million licensed cars in the UK.
