Drivers can expect delays this weekend - as Leeds schools break up for summer

There could be trouble on the roads this afternoon - as lots of schools in Leeds break up for summer - yes, it's Frantic Friday

Drivers are expected to make more than 9m individual leisure journeys by car between Friday and the end of the weekend, with the start of the summer school holidays likely to be marked by the sight of miles of queuing traffic.

Research conducted by the RAC of the travel plans of 2,300 motorists suggests that ‘getaway’ traffic will peak on Friday at around 3.8m separate leisure trips - and with normal weekday commuter traffic also vying for space on the roads, the RAC expects the day to be something of a ‘frantic Friday’ for many people desperate to start their summer breaks.

Saturday is likely to be the next busiest day on the roads, with the RAC estimating 3.2m leisure journeys by car, followed by 2.2m on Sunday as families take to the road to start their summer holidays. In total, over the 16 days between Friday 20 July and Saturday 4 August, the research suggests in the region of 34m individual leisure trips will be taken - with Saturday 28 July alone seeing in the region of 4.5m journeys.

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“This weekend tends to be one of the busiest on the roads for leisure journeys, second only to Easter and Christmas. On some popular routes, this may well mean gridlock, especially through the second half of Friday when commuters and holidaymakers will be sharing space on the same stretches of the UK’s roads. As a result, it will almost certainly feel like a ‘frantic Friday’ for some.

“Where possible, we’d recommend drivers try to avoid the busiest times on the roads - or just allow for a longer journey by planning in enough stops, especially if travelling with young children.

“It’s also essential drivers know their vehicles are up to the job before setting off on a long drive - there are few worse ways to start a summer holiday than being stuck at the side of the road. A 10 minute check of the condition of the tyres on a car (and on a trailer or caravan if you have one), and of the oil and coolant levels, could save hours of misery.