Drivers are expected to make an estimated 27 million leisure trips by car as the great summer getaway extends over six days, according to new data from the RAC and transport analytics specialists INRIX.
With most schools closing tomorrow (Tuesday, 23 July), the RAC anticipates that holidaymakers will make 2.4 million getaway trips by car on that day alone, with leisure traffic then gradually increasing closer to the weekend. An additional 2.6 million journeys are likely on Wednesday, 2.5 million on Thursday, and a further 5.4 million at some point between Monday and Thursday.
These figures bring the total number of getaway journeys between Monday and Thursday to 13 million, even before the end-of-the-week rush. Frantic Friday’ is expected to see a total of 3.2 million trips as leisure and commuter traffic compete for space on the roads.
The data suggests a ‘weekend of woe,’ with congestion peaking on Saturday, 27 July, when a total of 3.6 million journeys are expected, followed by another 2.9 million trips on Sunday. Additionally, there are a further 4 million getaways planned between Friday and Sunday, 28 July, making a total of 13.8 million trips over the weekend.
The RAC’s records show this will be the second busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015, with only 2022 seeing more trips, as 18.8 million took to their cars following two years of COVID lockdowns.
Transport experts INRIX are warning drivers 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 expected. The best times to travel will be after 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, or 3 pm on Sunday. Saturday will see the longest hold-ups, with delays on A-roads and motorways expected to take a third longer than usual.
The INRIX data also shows that traffic heading to major UK airports and staycation destinations will build from Thursday, 25 July onwards. Delays of over half an hour are expected between the Chiswell Interchange near St Albans southbound to Gatwick Airport and the A303 eastbound between Ilminster and Andover, which carries traffic to London and the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, where ferries leave for the Isle of Wight.
The single worst queue, of over two hours, is predicted on Saturday lunchtime on the M5 heading south between J15 – the M4 and M5 interchange near Bristol – and J23 for Bridgwater, as holidaymakers flock to Devon and Cornwall.
As millions of cars hit the road for summer, separate research by the RAC reveals the extent to which some drivers take a massive gamble before hitting the road, with one in 10 (11%) saying they have driven to a holiday destination knowing there’s a problem with their vehicle, whether it be a warning light, mechanical issue, fluid leak, or poor tread on a tyre.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Anyone heading off on holiday on Saturday or Sunday should expect a weekend of woe on the roads with journeys taking far longer than normal. If you can’t set off really early, then it’s highly likely you’ll be sitting in traffic for quite some time.
“Our research suggests this year’s getaway is set to be busier than average, possibly due to the UK inflation rate having slowed, giving people a bit more confidence to spend. However, with our recent bad weather causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues to major airports should not be underestimated. We’d advise drivers to plan their routes well in advance if jetting off abroad this week.
“It’s a huge concern that one in 10 drivers holidaying at home have driven to their destination knowing there’s an issue with their car. That’s the equivalent of more than 2.7 million drivers at the wheel of a faulty vehicle this week – a truly frightening statistic – which may lead to a breakdown or even worse, an accident.
“If you suspect something’s wrong with your car or it needs some routine maintenance, it’s well worth booking an RAC Mobile Mechanic to carry out a repair or service at home or work, in advance of your holiday. The expense of a nasty repair and precious lost holiday time far outweighs the cost of some ‘vehicle TLC’ before you set off.”
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said: “Drivers should expect long queues on major roads when heading to and from their destinations during this summer getaway. To receive the most up-to-date travel information available, they should monitor news outlets and use the RAC’s route planner to receive live traffic updates. Being flexible with your route – whether it’s the time you leave or a journey that’s longer in miles with fewer delays – could also reduce the stress of being held up and make for a more enjoyable trip.”
