As the nation prepares for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, millions of Brits are set to hit the roads for a well-deserved break. However, motoring experts are issuing a stark warning: common travel habits could turn your getaway into a costly nightmare of delays and breakdowns.
The RAC has predicted a staggering 20 million leisure trips between Friday and Monday, creating the perfect storm for gridlocked roads and frustrated families. With fine weather potentially tempting even more people to travel, major routes to coastal hotspots and countryside retreats are expected to bear the brunt of the congestion.
The Three Bank Holiday Travel Sins You Must Avoid
According to transport analysts, these three common mistakes could make or break your bank holiday experience:
- Ignoring peak travel times – Friday afternoon and Saturday morning are predicted to be particularly severe, with drivers likely to face queues stretching for miles on popular routes.
- Skipping vehicle checks – Thousands of breakdowns could be avoided with simple pre-journey checks of tyres, oil, coolant and fuel levels.
- Failing to plan alternatives – With many roads operating at capacity, having contingency routes and rest stops planned can save hours of frustration.
When to Travel to Beat the Jams
Network National Highways is taking the unusual step of removing more than 1,000 miles of roadworks to ease congestion, but experts warn this may not be enough to prevent significant delays. The RAC recommends travelling before 9am or after 5pm to avoid the worst of the traffic, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
"Our research suggests a sharp increase in holiday plans compared to last year," said RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson. "With COVID travel restrictions a thing of the past, more people are choosing to holiday at home, inevitably leading to busier roads."
Breakdown Services on High Alert
Breakdown providers are preparing for one of their busiest weekends of the year. Common issues include overheating engines, flat batteries and fuel mishaps – all preventable with proper preparation.
For those determined to travel during peak times, experts advise packing plenty of water, snacks and entertainment for restless passengers. Checking real-time traffic apps before setting out can also help avoid the worst congestion hotspots.
With careful planning and avoidance of these common pitfalls, your bank holiday escape could still be the relaxing retreat you've been dreaming of. The message from travel experts is clear: prepare properly, or prepare for disappointment.
