Drivers are set to face the busiest May bank holiday traffic in years, with over 19 million leisure journeys expected between Friday and Monday, according to the RAC. Despite high fuel prices and a forecast of heavy rain, nearly 40% of drivers surveyed plan an overnight break or day trip, with only 6% deterred by rising pump prices.
The RAC warns that Friday will see early getaways mixing with commuter traffic and school runs, but late Saturday morning is predicted to be the peak time for congestion. The M5 from Bristol to Taunton is highlighted as a likely hotspot as drivers head to Devon and Cornwall, though the expected change to wet weather may alter plans.
Rail passengers also face disruption due to engineering works. The east coast mainline will be closed between York and Darlington for three days from Saturday, adding hours to journeys between London and Edinburgh or Newcastle. Services from London Euston to the Midlands and north will be reduced and slower over the weekend.
Liverpool Lime Street station will be closed all day Sunday and until noon Monday, while London's Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will be closed for the same period. Work around Bath Spa, Huddersfield, and Ely will also cause delays and replacement bus services.
Network Rail's Anit Chandarana advised passengers to plan ahead, noting that bank holidays are among the least busy times for rail travel, making them suitable for major works. The RAC advises drivers to check traffic updates and consider alternative travel times to avoid the worst congestion.
