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The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has issued a warning about unprecedented levels of traffic expected to clog the UK’s major motorways this week, as millions of Brits embark on their summer getaways. According to new data compiled by the motoring group in collaboration with transport analytics firm INRIX, an estimated 27 million summer trips are set to take place over seven days starting Monday.
Tuesday’s Traffic Surge
The RAC has predicted that Tuesday will see a particularly high number of leisure trips, with approximately 2.4 million journeys expected by car. This spike coincides with the closing of most schools for the holidays, as families and vacationers hit the roads for their summer breaks.
The “Weekend of Woe”
Traffic is expected to intensify throughout the week, culminating in what is being dubbed a “weekend of woe.” Nearly 14 million trips are anticipated between Friday and Monday, making for an exceptionally congested weekend on the roads.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson expressed concern, stating, “If you can’t set off early, then it’s highly likely you’ll be sitting in traffic for quite some time.” She further explained that this year’s getaway is predicted to be busier than usual, possibly due to a slowdown in the UK inflation rate, which may have given people more confidence to spend. Additionally, the recent spate of bad weather has led to a surge in international travel bookings, potentially causing significant queues at major airports.
Simpson advises drivers to plan their routes meticulously if they are heading abroad this week to avoid the worst of the congestion.
Best and Worst Travel Times
INRIX has provided crucial insights into the best and worst times to travel. Motorists are advised to avoid travelling between 12 pm and 5 pm on both Friday and Saturday and between 11 am and 1 pm on Sunday, when the worst delays are anticipated. Conversely, the best times to travel are after 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, or after 3 pm on Sunday.
Traffic Hotspots and Delays
According to INRIX data, traffic heading towards major UK airports and popular staycation destinations is expected to build from July 25 onwards. Notably, delays of over half an hour are forecast between the Chiswell Interchange near St Albans heading southbound to Gatwick Airport, and on the A303 eastbound between Illminster and Andover.
Travellers heading to Cornwall and Devon should be prepared for significant delays. The M5 southbound between Junction 15 and Junction 23 for Bridgwater is predicted to experience the single worst queue, with delays exceeding two hours, particularly around Saturday lunchtime.
As the UK gears up for a busy summer travel season, the RAC and INRIX are urging motorists to plan their journeys carefully, stay informed about traffic updates, and consider alternative routes to mitigate the impact of the anticipated congestion.
