More than 20 MILLION drivers hitting roads this weekend – exact date to avoid
On Saturday, traffic is expected to peak between 3pm and 6pm, with drivers urged to start their journeys as early as possible.”The number of people deciding head for the coast or countryside will only go up, swelling the overall volume of cars on the roads.”
TRAFFIC is predicted to build through the day on Friday, with INRIX advising motorists to delay their departures until 6pm.Motorists face brutal 90-minute delays on the M25 clockwise that afternoon between Junction 7 for the M23 and Junction 21 for the M1.Traffic volumes look set to remain consistently high throughout the long weekend as 3.7million trips are expected to take place on Saturday.The Great Eastern Main Line will be hampered by work building a new station at Beaulieu Park to the east of Chelmsford in Essex.
Read More UK News
Trains will also be affected by track renewals between Carstairs and Lanark in Scotland.Inrix travel expert Bob Pishue said: “A near-record number of travellers are expected to be on the roads over the holiday period.
Best and worst times to travel
Friday is likely to be the worst day to travel, as the long weekend kicks off just as many schools go on half-term.
“We’re looking at possible leisure traffic volumes returning to levels similar to what we last saw in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak.
Services on the West Coast Main Line will be reduced due to work around Crewe and Carlisle in the north west.”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.”
Most read in The Sun
Network Rail says it often carries out major engineering work over bank holiday periods to reduce the number of passengers impacted.
RAC breakdown expert Alice Simpson said: The RAC’s Alice Simpson said: “Our research suggests this weekend could be the busiest of the year so far on the roads.”Travel as early or as late in the day as possible to avoid the worst delays.””For those with school age children, it’s also the start of the half-term holiday.”No-one likes to think about their vehicle breaking down, especially on a bank holiday weekend.”Drivers’ desire to make the most of the UK has increased in those places where the warm spring sunshine makes its presence felt.Hour-long queues are expected to clog up a 45-mile stretch of the M5 from Bristol to Taunton in Somerset.
RAC expert’s advice
“Drivers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major cities and towards the coasts.
“Millions of people are embarking on getaway trips to make the most of the three days.
Another 3.4million journeys are anticipated on both Sunday and bank holiday Monday.
