The RAC has warned motorists to avoid driving between 11am and 2pm this Saturday and midday to 4pm on Sunday, as millions of drivers are expected to take to UK roads for the start of the summer holidays. With more people opting for staycations due to high fuel costs from the Iran war and complications with the EU's Entry and Exit System, traffic volumes are predicted to be higher than previous years.
Worst and Best Travel Times
For Saturday July 18, an estimated 3.8 million journeys will be made, with the worst period being from 11am to 2pm. On Sunday July 19, around 3.4 million trips are expected, with the worst delays between midday and 4pm. The best times to travel are after 2pm on Saturday and after 6pm on Sunday.
Traffic Hotspots
The RAC identified potential congestion on key motorways including the M25, M1, M60, M4, and M5. RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “The great British summer staycation is about to get off to a flying start, with many opting to stay in the UK instead of travelling abroad. Drivers should be ready for the ‘Saturday summer scramble’ and plan their journeys, thinking about setting off earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic jams. People should prepare for delays and getting stuck in a jam in potentially very hot weather.”
Port of Dover Concerns
The RAC's warnings follow comments from Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister, who warned of major traffic problems over the summer. With around 12,000 vehicles expected daily, he expressed concerns about health and safety in long queues. He told The Times: “If you have elderly people, children and dogs in 12-hour queues with no lavatory facilities, inadequate water supplies, somebody will die, somebody will have a heart attack. I’m not overegging it. This is the stark reality. How do you get an ambulance through traffic jams like that?”
Weather and Travel Impact
Temperatures are set to remain in the high twenties, possibly reaching the early thirties later in July, adding to the risk of heat-related issues for those stuck in traffic. The EU's new entry-exit system and increased border checks have contributed to the congestion, despite additional French guards being deployed to ease delays.
