Last summer bank holiday of the year set to be the busiest on the roads in 11 years

Drivers are set to make an estimated 20m leisure trips over the late August bank holiday, according to predictions by the RAC.*

Between Friday August 28 and Monday August 31, the UK’s motorways and major roads could see the highest volume of traffic since the RAC’s records began in 2015.

‘Frantic Friday’ is likely to be mired in heavy traffic, with more trips planned compared to any day over the bank holiday, as 4.1m get the long weekend off to an early start.

Saturday could see 3.8m trips and another 3.1m trips are expected to be made on Sunday. Another 3.4m are due to hit the road on bank holiday Monday, a possible combination of day trippers and people on the return leg of their getaway. Another 5.5m plan to travel between Friday and Monday but haven’t decided which day yet.

High fuel prices have affected three-in-10 (32%) drivers’ bank holiday plans, but only 13% have decided to scrap their weekend as a result of prices at the pumps. Due to the conflict in the Middle East, a tank of petrol now costs £89 compared to £74 a year ago, while a tank of diesel costs £100 compared to £79 a year ago.

Despite the pump pain, 8% said they were staunchly sticking to their plans but making savings on other things such as accommodation and eating out. Just 3% said they would find an alternative to driving to save money, reflecting the country’s reliance on cars as the preferred mode of transport. Another 3% are travelling with others to share fuel costs, and 5% are making a shorter trip than originally planned. 

‘Frantic’ Friday could see some major routes including the M25 anticlockwise from junction 17 to 12 clogged up with delays of up to 50 minutes around midday, according to transport data experts INRIX. Junctions 15 to 19 of the London orbital could also be badly affected later on in the evening around 9.30pm, with delays of a similar duration as people make their escape after work.

In the South West, the M5 South from junction 15 at the Almondsbury Interchange near Bristol, next to the iconic RAC tower, to junction 23 for Glastonbury, could also experience high volumes of traffic perhaps as people head to the coast. Delays of up to 75 minutes are predicted on this popular stretch of road at around 12pm on Friday.

On Sunday, looking to the South East, the M1 South from junction 16 for Daventry to junction 6 for St Albans could be blighted by delays of up to 70 minutes at around 3pm.

On bank holiday Monday, the longest delays could be seen on the M5 North from junction 11 for Cheltenham and Gloucester to junction 1 for Birmingham and West Bromwich at around 7pm, where motorists could be delayed for up to 45 minutes.

In the South West, the M5 North from junctions 25 for Taunton to junction 15 – the M4/M5 Almondsbury interchange – will also be badly affected around 3.30pm, with delays of a similar duration.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “With record numbers making a getaway over the bank holiday, it looks like Brits are buoyed by the persistent warm and dry weather and are more confident in making plans for the late summer bank holiday weekend – which is quite often a washout. 

“Drivers should be ready for ‘frantic Friday’ and think about setting off before 10am if they can. If the warm weather continues, people should be prepared in case they get caught in a traffic jam, by carrying plenty of water. 

“Drivers should do everything they can to avoid their cars letting them down; checking oil and coolant when the engine is cold are two simple things that can cut the chances of a serious breakdown, as is ensuring tyres have plenty of grip and are inflated to the correct pressures. 

“Any warning lights on the dashboard or pre-existing problems should be checked by a reputable garage or by making an appointment with an RAC Mobile Mechanic – many of whom are available to book last-minute.”