Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire drivers warned over 'long delays' during bank holiday weekend
RAC is predicting that 20 million trips will be made by car across the three days
Last updated 25th May 2024
Drivers in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire are being urged to get on the road early today, if they're planning to get away this Bank Holiday Weekend
The appeal comes from insurance company, RAC, which is predicting that 20 million trips will be made by car across the three days.
This would make it the busiest late May bank holiday weekend on the roads since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Frank Bird's from National Highways and is urging drivers to be prepared: "Check your tyres and your washer fluid levels.
"Carry spare as well - particularly at this time of year you get a lot of bugs on the screen and can get through it very quickly."
He also tells us people should be prepared for roadworks: "We will be doing a light touch on roadworks, but the big schemes, if they were there last bank holiday weekend, will still be there this weekend, too."
If you're planning to head to the coast this weekend and want to avoid the busiest times on the roads, Frank has this advice: "From early morning, we'd encourage people to get the bulk of their journeys done by around 10am.
"Alternatively, stay on the beach until 7pm and get those extra hours in the sun... then head home later."
"Millions of people embarking on getaway trips"
RAC 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."
"Near-record numbers of travellers"
Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue 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."