Record number of getaway journeys to cause ‘midweek mayhem’ on the roads as schools break for summer

Figures suggest that 2.3m trips will be made today while a further 2m are planned on Tuesday 22 (when a majority of schools in England break up), Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 respectively. This year, a larger number of drivers than ever expect to head off on holiday at some point this week, rather than wait until the weekend to get away – with an additional 5.6m journeys likely at some point between Monday and Thursday.

Following the midweek surge, the ‘end of summer term’ getaway weekend will be classically busy with 2.7m journeys planned on ‘Frantic Friday’ 25 July. This year, the RAC is warning of a ‘Saturday scramble’ as the largest number of journeys on a single day (3m) is set to take place on 26 July. An additional 2.7m trips are expected on Sunday 27 July, and an additional 4.6m at some point throughout the weekend, bringing the total number of journeys over the full getaway week to 26.9m. 

Data from transport experts INRIX shows the rise in midweek getaways will cause delays across many major routes, starting on Tuesday 22 July as most schools in England finish for summer. The M40 northbound between J12 for Gaydon and the M42 exit at J3A in the West Midlands could see mid-morning delays of up to 40 minutes. Later on, queues of up to 50 minutes are likely from 4pm on the M1 northbound from J12 to J16 through Northamptonshire and on the M4 westbound from J22 for the Pilning Interchange near Severn Beach across the Prince of Wales Bridge to J26 for Newport.

The queues are set to continue through Wednesday afternoon as people attempt to get away before the weekend. The M1 northbound from J22 near Leicester to J26 for Nottingham, near the Peak District, may face 40-minute delays as early as 3pm. INRIX is predicting early-evening queues of 50 minutes along the M25 anticlockwise from J4 for Sevenoaks to the Dartford Crossing, as holiday traffic clashes with rush-hour commuters.

Both the RAC and INRIX are advising those setting off at the weekend to travel as early or late as possible because traffic is expected to be at its worst through the middle of the day.  Anyone getting away on Friday or Sunday should try to start their trips before 10am or after 7pm, while Saturday drivers should consider heading out before 10am.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer.

“We typically see a peak on ‘Frantic Friday’ when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned. To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.

“Saturday is expected be the single busiest day for summer traffic with many drivers travelling long distances to get to their holiday destination. If a getaway journey involves hours in the car, it’s essential to be well rested and fresh for the trip. If possible, share the driving with another passenger to ensure concentration levels stay high, while those travelling with children should pack plenty of entertainment to keep them occupied and minimise questions of “are we there yet?”. Water, snacks and phone chargers are essential!

“Before setting off, drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down, like checking oil and coolant levels as well as the condition and tread on all tyres. There’s also still time to book an RAC Mobile Mechanic who can carry out a wide range of repairs at home or work, as well conducting a full or interim service.”

Drivers concerned about any lingering vehicle faults can book a diagnostic check with an RAC Mobile Mechanic via the myRAC app. When the problem has been diagnosed, the RAC is offering £50 off repairs that cost £150 or more. The offer is live until 3 August 2025. The myRAC app also has a fuel finder feature where drivers can find the most affordable fuel along their journey.

^{* Research for the RAC by FindOutNow among 2,135 UK adults w/c Monday 7 July 2025. A nationally representative survey. Figures extrapolated to 34m cars.}