This August bank holiday is poised to break records as the busiest on record. According to the RAC, this weekend could see an estimated 19.2 million leisure journeys by car—the highest number since the they began tracking August bank holiday traffic in 2015.
The long weekend, spanning from Saturday, August 24th to Monday, August 27th, is expected to kick off with a particularly hectic Saturday, as 3.7 million journeys are planned for that day alone. Meanwhile, Friday to Monday each boasts at least 3 million planned trips, underscoring just how crowded the roads will be.
What makes this figure even more striking is the fact that 6.2 million trips are still in the planning stages, with drivers yet to decide exactly when they'll hit the road.
According to the RAC, 84% of the journeys over the bank holiday weekend will be day trips, as many take advantage of the long weekend for outings. Meanwhile, 10% of drivers will be setting off on longer holidays, either within the UK or abroad, and 6% will be returning home from their getaways.
Transport analytics specialist INRIX has warned of all-day delays on both Friday, August 23rd, and Saturday, August 24th. They suggest avoiding travel between 10 am and 6 pm on Friday and between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturday to dodge the worst of the traffic. For a smoother journey, drivers are advised to hit the road either before or after these peak hours.
Adding to the holiday traffic chaos across the UK, delays are also expected for those heading to the Leeds and Reading music festivals, which take place during the bank holiday weekend. The journey to Leeds Festival is anticipated to be particularly challenging, with heavy traffic expected on the A1, M1, M62, and A64, starting from Thursday, August 22nd. On Friday, August 23rd, lunchtime journeys along the A1 Southbound between the Kirk Deighton and Bramham interchanges could double in length.
For those not attending Reading Festival, it’s best to steer clear of junction 11 of the M4 eastbound to Reading, M3 junction 6 at the Black Dam interchange, and the Wendlebury interchange at junction 9 of the M40. Festival-goers are advised against driving to Reading Festival, thanks to its close proximity to the train station, making public transport a more convenient option.
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: “We continue to advise those sailing from the Port of Dover that it is still necessary that they do not arrive any earlier than the two hours requested – just as if they were planning on flying from a UK airport.”
National network manager dale Hipkiss at National Highways said: “We’re lifting more than 500 miles of roadworks to keep people moving this August Bank Holiday, and almost 97% of the network will be free from roadworks over the long weekend. We anticipate the roads will be busier than usual and are reminding people to check before they travel and leave plenty of extra time. “
Long delays are expected across the UK this bank holiday, so travellers are advised to allow extra time and set off early if possible. With the school holidays coming to an end and major festivals taking place, the roads are likely to be packed, leading to significant queues and traffic jams.