Drivers have been warned they could face long delays along the M4 this bank holiday weekend, which is expected to be the busiest on the roads in 11 years. Heavy traffic is likely as an estimated 20m trips are made over the long weekend from Friday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, according to RAC predictions.
Over the four days, the UK's motorways and major roads could see the highest volume of traffic since the RAC's records began in 2015.
Frantic Friday expected to bring longest delays
Friday, named as 'frantic Friday', is expected to be the busiest day in Wales, with the longest delays on the M4 west from junction 38 near Port Talbot to junction 46, near Llangyfelach Felindre, Swansea. Delays of around 40 minutes are expected at about 3.30pm.
Further traffic is expected on the M4 on Friday, as the M4 east from junction 29 for Cardiff to junction 24 for Newport could also be affected, with delays of around 20 minutes at 3.30pm. Looking at the M4 stretch from the Severn Crossing to Bridgend, the RAC could see delays of around an hour at 8am, with traffic affected in both directions.
Monday traffic and fuel price impact
Monday is not expected to be as bad, with the M4 from Bridgend to the Severn Crossing potentially experiencing delays of around 20 minutes at noon.
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, a tank of petrol now costs £89 compared to £74 a year ago, while a tank of diesel costs £100 compared to £79 a year ago. Fuel prices are said to have an effect on the amount of people taking to the roads this bank holiday, as 13% have decided to "scrap their weekend as a result of prices at the pumps."
RAC advice for drivers
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando has given advice on how to avoid the traffic: "With record numbers making a getaway over the bank holiday, it looks like Brits are buoyed by the persistent warm and dry weather and are more confident in making plans for the late summer bank holiday weekend – which is quite often a washout.
"Drivers should be ready for 'frantic Friday' and think about setting off before 10am if they can. If the warm weather continues, people should be prepared in case they get caught in a traffic jam, by carrying plenty of water.
"Drivers should do everything they can to avoid their cars letting them down; checking oil and coolant when the engine is cold are two simple things that can cut the chances of a serious breakdown, as is ensuring tyres have plenty of grip and are inflated to the correct pressures."
