Bank holiday traffic could mean delays across Suffolk
RAC predicts 19.2m leisure car trips across the country
Britain’s drivers are planning an estimated 19.2m leisure car trips between this Friday and the end of bank holiday Monday.
That's according to data from the RAC and INRIX who said it will be the highest number since before the Pandemic.
Friday is expected to be the busiest with a projected 3m getaway trips, then a further 6.3m trips are expected to be taken at some point over the four days.
Hotspots for traffic jams over the weekend, include coastal areas, clockwise from J23 for Hatfield to J28 for Chelmsford and anticlockwise towards the Dartford crossing.
Delays are also expected on the M5 in Somerset and M6 in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson 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 the Met Office currently predicting largely settled weather with above average temperatures, we’re expecting this to be a hectic period on major roads as people aim to make the most of the last long weekend before August – and that means it will be a busy time for our patrols too.
"What’s more, 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.”