Millions of UK travellers face widespread disruption this bank holiday weekend, with congestion predicted on key roads and rail routes, and airports expecting over 2 million passengers. The transport analytics firm Inrix warns of heavy traffic on Friday between 10am and 6pm, and Saturday between 10am and 1pm.
The RAC estimates 19.2 million people will take leisure trips, the highest since 2015. Drivers heading to Creamfields in Cheshire, Leeds and Reading festivals may face severe congestion. National Highways has lifted over 500 miles of roadworks to ease pressure.
Kent roads are expected to be busy, with the Port of Dover anticipating more than 20,000 cars. CEO Doug Bannister warns waiting times could be longer due to reduced processing areas for new EU entry regulations. Rail passengers from London King's Cross face no long-distance services from Saturday night to Monday morning due to works between Biggleswade and Potters Bar.
A reduced timetable is in place between Euston and Milton Keynes, and services in Stoke-on-Trent are affected by track repairs. Train bookings are up 182% on last August bank holiday, with popular routes from London to Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Leeds.
Airports hope to avoid a repeat of last year's chaos when a glitch in the National Air Traffic Services system grounded planes. Abta estimates over 2 million people will travel overseas, with Friday the busiest day for departures.
