Busiest Bank Holiday getaway since the pandemic begins with 4 MILLION drivers hitting roads today – best times to avoid
ROADS across the country are set to be the busiest they’ve been since before the pandemic as Brits set off for the Bank Holiday weekend.
More than 4million drivers are expected to hit the highway today as they make the most of the three-day break.
Experts are warning the roads will be chaos as holidaymakers jump behind the wheel and have urged motorists to be patient and take care.
They’ve also given tips on when it’s best to hit the roads – and when to avoid them.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Our research suggests this weekend could be the busiest of the year so far on the roads, with millions of people embarking on getaway trips to make the most of the three days and, for those with school-age children, the start of the half-term holiday.
“In fact, we’re looking at possible leisure traffic volumes returning to levels similar to what we last saw in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak, as drivers’ desire to make the most of the UK increases.
“And, in those places where the warm spring sunshine makes its presence felt, the number of people deciding to get behind the wheel and head for the coast or countryside will only go up, swelling the overall volume of cars on the roads.”
RAC said today is expected to be the worst day for travel with 4m drivers hitting the highway, and a further 3.7m jumping behind the wheel tomorrow.
Motorists face brutal 90-minute delays on the M25 clockwise this afternoon between Junction 7 for the M23 and Junction 21 for the M1.
Hour-long queues are also expected to clog up a 45-mile stretch of the M5 from Bristol to Taunton in Somerset.
Around 3.4 motorists are then expected to hit the roads on Sunday and Monday, and RAC says about 22m drivers will get on the road at some point this weekend.
The experts say this means getaway numbers could reach about 90% of pre-pandemic levels.
And, as a result, they say Brits should expect delays on the roads.
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said: “With near-record number of travellers expected to be on the roads over the holiday period, drivers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major cities and towards the coasts.
“The best general advice to anyone spending time away from home this weekend is to travel as early or as late in the day as possible to avoid the worst delays.
“Travellers should stay up to date on traffic apps like myRAC and listen to local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary.”
Meanwhile, the Met Office says Brits will be basking in Bank Holiday sunshine this weekend – with millions set to be treated to 21C rays.
The Met Office says temperatures are expected to be balmy this weekend, and much of the UK will be able to enjoy the warmer spring weather.
RAC expert Alice Simpson's advice:
“Our research suggests this weekend could be the busiest of the year so far on the roads, with millions of people embarking on getaway trips to make the most of the three days and, for those with school age children, the start of the half-term holiday.
“In fact, we’re looking at possible leisure traffic volumes returning to levels similar to what we last saw in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak, as drivers’ desire to make the most of the UK increases. And, in those places where the warm spring sunshine makes its presence felt, the number of people deciding to get behind the wheel and head for the coast or countryside will only go up, swelling the overall volume of cars on the roads.
“While no-one likes to think about their vehicle breaking down, especially on a bank holiday weekend, those vehicles that are serviced regularly and generally looked after are much less likely to let their drivers down – meaning any worries about bad ‘carma’ can be often be put to rest. There’s still time to book a service or repair before next weekend using an RAC Mobile Mechanic, while checking tyres are all in good condition and pumped up properly, as well as ensuring oil and coolant levels are where they should be, is a must for all drivers before any getaway trip.”
But forecasters have warned it won’t hang around – and to make the most of it.
The Met said today will be mostly dry for much of the UK with the sun shining the most in the south.
And tomorrow will be much the same – with the mercury hitting a stunning 21C in London at 3pm.
The likes of Reading and Rochester will be making the most of a balmy 20C at the same time, while Manchester and Newtown are expected to soak in 19C conditions.
However, the weather will start to shift on Sunday – but it will still feel warm.
Met Office’s Stephen Dixon said: “While there’s still plenty of detail to work out for the Bank Holiday weekend, signals are suggesting there’s a chance of some dry and fine weather developing in places for the UK, though periods of showery activity will still influence some of the weather.
The best & worst times to travel - experts
Today – 4million drivers
Worst times to travel – 8am-10am
Best times to travel – After 6pm
Tomorrow – 3.7million drivers
Worst times to travel – 3pm-6pm
Best times to travel – Before 1pm
Sunday – 3.4million drivers
Worst times to travel – 11am-1pm
Best times to travel – after 3pm
Monday – 3.4million drivers
Worst times to travel – 11am-2pm
Best times to travel – Before 10am
“Temperatures should above average for the time of year, though will be slightly subdued where those showers do develop.
“There remains a chance for the development of some thundery showers in places through the weekend, which is something we’ll be able to add some more detail to as we get closer to the time.
“It’s important to stay up-to-date with the forecast through the week as the details become clearer.”
Forcaster Annie Shuttleworth added that Saturday is the day to get out and about as “things will likely to deteriorate as the weekend progresses”.
She said many southern areas will be hit with “quite persistent rain” on Sunday, and it’ll be a wet start for many.
Plus, there’s a chance of thunderstorms, too.
The forecast for Sunday, through to Tuesday, reads: “Rain pushing northeast on Sunday, with heavy thundery showers for some.
“Heavy showers in the northeast on Monday, but drier in the southwest. Remaining unsettled into Tuesday.”
Met Office's forecast
Today:
A cloudy start for many with some light rain across the north. Turning showery with some being heavy in northern England and southern Scotland. Winds light for most and it will feel warm in the sunny spells in the south.
Tonight:
Staying cloudy across the north, with rain continuing to ease. Winds remaining light for most. Clear spells in the south allowing temperatures to dip and patches of fog to form.
Saturday:
A cool start with fog patches clearing, but lingering on some coasts. Widely dry with warm sunny spells. Showers in the east and rain arriving in the west later.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Rain pushing northeast on Sunday, with heavy thundery showers for some. Heavy showers in the northeast on Monday, but drier in the southwest. Remaining unsettled into Tuesday.
Tuesday to Thursday:
For the rest of the week the south, especially the southeast looks as though it more favoured to see more in the way of dry weather, although even some rain or showers are likely from time to time. Areas of low pressure are more likely to track to the northwest of the UK so here it will likely continue unsettled with showers and some longer spells of rain which could be heavy at times. The northwest may also see some periods of strong winds. Temperatures are likely to reflect this, remaining close to or perhaps a little on the cool side across the northwest, whereas the south is likely to be a little warmer than average
Friday June 7 to Friday June 21:
The signal for any meaningful high (or low) pressure regime to become established remains elusive, which suggests that the weather could remain fairly changeable through June, with variations on what this will look like across the country. Signals for both temperature and rainfall indicate a ‘more-likely above average’ overall. This suggests that further rain or showers are likely, possibly heavy or thundery at times. As is normal for the time of year there is likely to be some spells of warm sunshine between these showers.