Drivers set to take nearly 18m getaway trips on last bank holiday before Christmas

A massive 17.6m leisure journeys are expected to take place by car this August bank holiday with drivers in England and Wales eager to enjoy the last long weekend before Christmas, new figures from the RAC and INRIX suggest.*

The RAC expects traffic to build from Friday to Saturday with 3m getaway trips likely to take place this Friday 22 August, rising to 3.4m on Saturday (23 August). A further 2.4m are planned on Sunday and 2.7m on Monday, while an additional 6.1m drivers are planning trips at some point between Friday and Monday. 

Although the overall number of getaway journeys is down on the record figure of 19.2m in 2024, it’s still the second highest since 2020 when 18.4m drivers said they planned to get away as lockdown restrictions were lifted. 

Transport experts INRIX believe the M5 between Bristol and Devon will bear the brunt of the getaway traffic, with the stretch from J15 north of Bristol to J23 for Bridgwater likely to see some of the worst delays of more than 40 minutes on both Friday and Saturday. The M20 in Kent could also suffer afternoon hold-ups of more than half an hour in both directions on Friday, from J7 near Maidstone to J3 westbound and J1 at Swanley to J5 at Aylesford eastbound. 

The busiest times to drive will be between 10am and 7pm on Friday, 9am and 5pm on Saturday and 11am and 6pm on Monday. The best time to travel on Friday is after 7pm, whereas on Saturday it’s before 9am and on Monday before 11am. On Sunday, however, traffic is expected to be mostly free-flowing. 

With the roads likely to get even busier if the UK’s spell of hot weather continues, the RAC is advising drivers to do everything they can to reduce the chance of a breakdown. 

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RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With this bank holiday being the last opportunity to enjoy a long weekend before Christmas, our study shows a real eagerness to get out and about with nearly 18m drivers planning getaway trips. More traffic on the roads will inevitably lead to more vehicle breakdowns, especially if the sun makes an appearance and people decide on the day to visit popular destinations.  

“We’re expecting major roads to airports and coastal destinations to be extremely busy, especially the South East and South West regions which could end up bearing the brunt of most holiday hold-ups. Anyone planning routes through these areas should set off as early as possible or be prepared to spend longer in traffic. 

“Every minute is precious on bank holidays and a breakdown has no place on the itinerary. Be confident your car is ‘road ready’ by checking it has enough oil and coolant, as well as ensuring that tyres are free of damage, have enough tread and are inflated properly.

“RAC mobile servicing and repairs technicians are available nationwide to service or repair vehicles on the driveway. If you realise your car needs something fixed and you don’t want the hassle of going to a garage while on your staycation, don’t hesitate to book up online.”