Up to 23 million car journeys are expected over the bank holiday weekend, according to motoring groups. A combination of predicted warm weather, the start of the half-term break for many schools in England and Wales, and the final round of Premier League fixtures means roads are likely to be significantly busier than usual.
Busiest Days and Journey Types
The AA forecasts that Friday will be the busiest day, with around 23.4 million journeys, followed by 22.8 million on Saturday, and 22.4 million on both Sunday and bank holiday Monday. Most trips are expected to be local, with about half of those surveyed planning journeys of up to 50 miles. Shopping is the most common reason for travelling, cited by 40% of drivers, closely followed by visiting family or friends at 39%. Nearly a quarter are planning DIY or garden centre trips (23%), while 22% expect to travel for work.
Fuel Costs and Advice
Separate research by the RAC found that 28% of drivers are increasingly worried about fuel costs. Their data shows the average price of petrol across the UK is 158.52p per litre, the highest since December 2022, and diesel is 185.92p. This means it costs £87 to fill a family car with unleaded, £14 more than last year, and over £102 for diesel, £26 more than last year.
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: "A warm Bank Holiday weekend is exactly the kind of forecast that gets people thinking about a last-minute getaway, a day at the coast or a trip to see friends and family. When good weather arrives after an unsettled spell, people are often more willing to make spontaneous plans, so drivers should expect popular routes to get busy quickly.
"Sunday could bring another pressure point, with the final round of Premier League matches likely to add traffic around stadiums, city centres and major routes. Football fans, day-trippers and families returning from short breaks may all be on the move at similar times, so it is worth checking traffic before leaving, using the AA Route Planner to look for delays and building in extra time.
"Before setting off, we would encourage drivers to remember FLOWER — Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber. These simple checks only take a few minutes, but they can help spot problems before they turn into breakdowns, especially when cars are carrying extra passengers, luggage or pets over longer distances.
"Fuel prices remain a real pressure on household budgets, so drivers will also want to make every litre count. Shopping around before filling up, avoiding unnecessary weight, keeping tyres properly inflated and driving smoothly can all help keep costs down. Drivers can also use the AA App to find cheaper fuel enroute, helping them avoid paying over the odds while they are away."
Likely Traffic Hotspots
- Local routes around shopping centres, retail parks and garden centres
- Roads heading towards the east coast, including routes to resorts such as Skegness
- Routes towards the South West and Cornwall, including the A303, M5 and A38
- The M4 from London and routes leading towards Wales
- The M6 towards Blackpool and the North West coast
- Roads serving popular seaside towns, national parks, ports and airports
