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