Drivers have been warned to expect the UK's busiest May bank holiday traffic in years, with the RAC forecasting over 19 million leisure trips by car from Friday to Monday. This would be the highest number since 2016, despite high fuel prices and gloomy weather forecasts.
The RAC said almost 40% of drivers surveyed planned an overnight break or day trip, with only 6% deterred by rising pump prices. Friday will see early getaways mixing with commuter traffic, but the worst congestion is expected late Saturday morning. The M5 from Bristol to Taunton is highlighted as a likely hotspot for drivers heading to Devon and Cornwall.
Rail passengers also face disruption, with engineering works on several major routes. The east coast mainline will be shut 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.
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. Network Rail advised passengers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
