Late May bank holiday set to be the busiest on the roads in two years as unseasonably cold weather makes way for summer scorcher

Consumer Editor

5 minute read|21st May 2026

Almost 19m Brits are set to hit the road over the bank holiday weekend with the approach of the hot weather, an increase of 1m compared to the late May bank holiday last year.

RAC research** shows four-in-10 (39%) drivers intend to take to the UK’s motorways and major A roads for the purpose of a leisure trip, undeterred by high fuel prices and spurred on by predictions of hot weather on the way. Friday and Saturday are likely to see the heaviest traffic, with 3.8m planning to make their getaway on each day.

Sunday is expected to see 3.4m journeys and bank holiday Monday could see 3.1m trips, possibly as people stagger the return leg of their trips.

Among the six-in-10 (61%) drivers not planning to make a leisure trip over the bank holiday weekend, just 5% say it’s as a direct result of the increase in petrol and diesel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Another 5% say they intend to drive a shorter distance this May bank holiday weekend to reduce the amount they are spending on fuel.

Almost one third (28%) say they are increasingly worried about the cost of fuel.

RAC Fuel Watch data shows the average price of petrol across the UK is 158.52p – the highest price since December 2022 – and diesel is 185.92p, which means it costs £87 to fill up a family car with unleaded – £14 more than this time last year – and over £102 for diesel, which is £26 more than last year.

Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours.

According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6. On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day. On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.

“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.

“As we emerge from a period of unsettled, chilly weather, it’s important to remember to get your car summer ready. Checking the oil and coolant is a pre-getaway must, followed by ensuring all tyres have plenty of tread, are in good condition, and are pumped up to the right pressures, something that also helps with fuel economy. Screenwash is also important at this time of year to make sure you always have a good, clear and bug-free view of the road.

“Make sure you’re taking enough drinking water for the journey, keeping in mind that you might spend longer on the road than usual due to traffic jams. Having a phone, charging cable and a portable battery pack readily available, in case the worst does occur and you do find yourself stuck by the side of the road, is also important.

“If drivers have any nagging doubts about how well their vehicle is running, it’s still not too late to get them sorted or arrange a service with an RAC Mobile Mechanic who’ll come to you at your home or work .

“Anyone looking to fill up for their bank holiday trip for the lowest possible price should download the myRAC app and use the Fuel Finder feature to track down the cheapest forecourt near them.”

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^{* Met Office:}^{https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/unsettled-weather-to-make-way-for-warmth-ahead-of-bank-holiday-weekend}

^{** Research conducted for the RAC by FindOutNow among 2,218 on 22 & 23 April 2026. A nationally representative survey. Figures extrapolated to 34.5m licensed cars for predicted getaway totals}