Drivers across the UK are gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest August bank holiday weekend on the roads in over a decade. With the RAC estimating that a staggering 19.2 million leisure trips will be made by car between Friday and Monday, it’s clear that traffic congestion is likely to be a major issue for travelers.
Record-Breaking Travel Plans
This surge in travel plans marks the highest number of leisure trips recorded by the RAC since they began collecting data for the summer bank holiday back in 2015. The figures are based on a survey of 2,128 UK adults, indicating a significant increase in the number of people opting for road trips over the long weekend.
According to the poll, a whopping 84% of respondents planning to travel by car for leisure purposes this weekend are opting for day trips. This could explain the anticipated traffic congestion as holidaymakers and day-trippers hit the roads in search of relaxation and enjoyment.
Peak Travel Times
Saturday is expected to be the busiest day for leisure journeys, with 3.7 million trips planned. Friday follows closely behind with 3.2 million, while Sunday and Monday are projected to see 3.1 million and 3.0 million trips, respectively. In addition to these planned journeys, an additional 6.2 million leisure trips are expected to take place at some point over the four-day period.
Transport analytics company Inrix has issued warnings about the potential congestion, highlighting the period between 10 am and 6 pm on Friday and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday as the peak times for travel delays. Popular routes serving coastal resorts and leading to music festivals like Leeds and Reading are likely to experience heavy traffic, causing delays for drivers.
Impacts on Major Events
The Leeds Festival, known for its significant impact on traffic flow, is expected to create long queues on major roads such as the A1, A1(M), M1, M62, and A64 from Thursday onwards. Commuters and festival-goers alike should anticipate journey times to be doubled, especially along the A1 southbound between the Kirk Deighton and Bramham interchanges around lunchtime on Friday.
Moreover, roads in Kent are expected to be particularly congested as holidaymakers head to Europe via the ports, with the Port of Dover anticipating over 20,000 cars passing through over the bank holiday period. These influxes of traffic are likely to add to the already challenging driving conditions on major routes.
Advice for Travelers
RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson emphasized the importance of vehicle maintenance to avoid breakdowns during the anticipated busy weekend. She advised travelers to leave early to avoid traffic jams or be prepared for potentially lengthy queues, whether heading to a festival, the coast, a theme park, or visiting friends and family.
National Highways national network manager Dale Hipkiss reassured travelers that over 500 miles of roadworks will be lifted to facilitate smoother travel during the August bank holiday. With almost 97% of the network free from roadworks over the weekend, commuters are encouraged to check for updates and factor in extra travel time to accommodate the expected increase in traffic.
Rail Disruptions and Alternatives
In addition to road congestion, several major rail routes are expected to be disrupted over the weekend due to ongoing engineering works. Travelers planning to use the East Coast Main Line should be aware that no long-distance services to or from London’s King’s Cross station will operate from early evening on Saturday until early morning on Monday.
A reduced timetable will also be in effect between Euston and Milton Keynes on Saturday and Sunday due to track renewals at Primrose Hill. Furthermore, services in the Stoke area are set to experience disruptions from Saturday to Tuesday, August 27, with an amended timetable between Euston and Manchester Piccadilly via Stafford, Crewe, and Wilmslow.
For affected routes, bus replacement services will be available to provide alternative travel options for passengers impacted by the rail disruptions. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, considering potential delays and diversions to ensure a smoother experience during the busy bank holiday weekend.
As travelers brace themselves for the busiest August bank holiday weekend in recent years, careful planning and preparation will be essential to navigate the expected traffic congestion on both roads and railways. By staying informed, allowing extra travel time, and taking necessary precautions, commuters can make the most of their long weekend getaway despite the challenges posed by the surge in leisure trips.