Brits planning to travel this weekend have been warned to expert carnage on the roads, as millions of motorists are expected to clog up the nation’s motorways and A-roads.
The RAC has predicted an astonishing 13.8 million drivers are planning to get behind the wheel for their holidays from Friday to Sunday, which would make it the second busiest summer break since 2015.
As it stands only last year tops the summer of 2015 when a staggering 18.8 million cars got on the roads during the scorching heatwave that followed Covid.
Friday is expected to be the busiest day of the weekend, with around 3.2 million drivers expected to join the regular band of commuters.
Saturday will see around 3.6 million drivers according to RAC while Sunday is expected to see 2.9 million motorists.
In particular the M5 is expected to see heavy traffic, with drivers attempting to get down to Devon and Cornwall to bask in the West Country sun.
Alice Simpson from the RAC gave drivers her top tips for avoiding the worst of delays: “To avoid a weekend of woe on the roads during one of the busiest of the year, we’d advise as many people as possible to leave as early as they can to try and disperse car journeys over a longer period.
“Any holidaymakers whether they’re driving to a UK destination or heading overseas should plan their journeys carefully and leave plenty of extra time before setting off.”
Meanwhile, Bob Pishue from Inrix transportation said: “Drivers should expect long queues on major roads when heading to and from their destinations during this summer getaway.”
He added that a bit of clever thinking might save some holiday blues, suggesting: “Being flexible with your route whether it’s the time you leave or a journey that’s longer in miles with fewer delays could also reduce the stress of being held up and make for a more enjoyable trip.”