Motorists across the UK are being warned to brace for severe delays over the late May bank holiday weekend, as nearly 18 million road trips are expected, with the busiest travel days forecast for Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May.
Data from the RAC and transport analysts INRIX suggests that both Friday and Saturday will each see 3.4 million leisure journeys, creating what experts are calling a “double dose of delays”. Sunday 25 May will see slightly reduced traffic with 2.7 million trips, rising again to 3 million on Bank Holiday Monday.
With 68% of journeys planned between 5am and midday, travellers are advised to avoid peak morning hours and consider travelling either very early or after 7pm, when congestion is expected to ease.
M25, A30 and M5 Identified as Congestion Hotspots
Transport experts warn that the M25 will bear the brunt of delays. On Friday 23 May, drivers on the anticlockwise stretch from J4 to J1 near Dartford Crossing may face delays exceeding 45 minutes. Later that evening, the stretch between Cobham (J10) and Clacket Lane (J6) is forecast to see 35-minute delays during rush hour.
On Saturday 24 May, routes to the West Country will be under pressure, particularly the A30 westbound towards Okehampton, M5 southbound to Bridgwater, and the A303 past Stonehenge—each expected to suffer up to 55-minute delays.
Return journeys on Friday 30 May, marking the end of the school half-term break, could also be slow-going, with average journey times expected to increase by 35%.
Expert Travel Advice: Plan Wisely, Pack Smart
RAC Mobile Mechanic Aaron Bryan urged drivers to travel early or late to beat the worst congestion.
“If the warm weather continues, travelling in cooler hours helps conserve fuel, reduces strain on the vehicle, and lowers the risk of breakdowns—especially for older cars.”
He also advised motorists to:
- Check oil, coolant, tyre pressure, and tread before departure
- Pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, and basic tools
- Consider using mobile mechanic services to avoid last-minute garage visits
Popular Destinations and Broader Impact
Devon and Cornwall remain among the UK’s top travel destinations for the weekend, but other coastal and rural regions could see increased traffic. The M25, used by many to access the South East, will likely be congested again on 30 May during return trips.
