Britain’s drivers are collectively planning an estimated 19.2m leisure car trips between this Friday and the end of bank holiday Monday, the highest number since before the coronavirus pandemic, a new study by the RAC and INRIX indicates.
Research of 2,138 drivers’ plans for the last nationwide bank holiday before the end of August suggests Saturday, Sunday and Monday (29 May) will be the busiest for leisure journeys by car with around 3.3m made each day.
When it comes to traffic congestion, Friday may turn out to be busiest when a projected 3m getaway trips are made and those seeking to enjoy the long weekend share the roads with those trying to finish their working weeks.
A further 6.3m trips are expected to be taken at some point over the four days.
Transport experts INRIX expect the M25 to be a hotspot for traffic jams over the weekend, with journeys on some stretches – including clockwise from J23 for Hatfield to J28 for Chelmsford and anticlockwise towards the Dartford crossing – taking up to three times longer than normal. Delays are also expected on the M5 in Somerset and M6 in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With the travel restrictions imposed during Covid now thankfully a distant memory, it’s clear drivers’ desire to getaway has been reignited with our figures for this coming weekend suggesting leisure traffic volumes will be close to what we last saw in 2019.
“With so many households under the cosh financially, we’re concerned that a lack of essential maintenance might lead to more avoidable breakdowns than we’d normally see.
“So we’re reminding everyone to ensure their cars are as a ready for a getaway as they can be – if a vehicle hasn’t been serviced recently, this is the week to get one done by a qualified professional. In fact, with more RAC Mobile Mechanics, who can complete minor or major servicing at a driver’s home or workplace, are available across the country than ever before, making a far easier and quicker process than many people might think.
“And, whether a car’s been serviced lately or not, a quick look at oil and coolant levels, together with checking tyres are in good condition and inflated properly, can go a long way to avoiding an unwelcome stop at the side of the road this weekend.”
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