Bank Holiday Chaos: Friday 24 May Set to Be UK’s Worst Traffic Day
Brace yourselves, motorists! Friday 24 May is shaping up as the absolute nightmare on wheels, with over 4 million journeys expected. It’s not just any Friday – it marks the start of the long weekend and the half-term break for many UK schools. But the chaos won’t stop there. Traffic will stay jam-packed all weekend with 3.7 million trips on Saturday, and 3.4 million each on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
Get Ready for Near-Record Road Volumes
Car lovers, the roads are about to be as busy as 2019 levels! Around 5.7 million leisure car trips are planned during this extended break, nearly 90% of pre-pandemic traffic volumes. Expect one of the busiest bank holidays in recent years.
Day Trips and Seaside Escapes Top the List
- 22% of drivers plan day trips with friends and family.
- 8% are heading for the beach or countryside.
- 7% booked short staycations.
- 3% will travel through airports or ferry ports.
Day trips are the big winner as everyone chases the sun, especially along the coast.
When and Where to Expect Traffic Jams
Traffic will build all day Friday. Experts at INRIX warn to delay travel until after 6pm to dodge the worst jams when commuter and leisure drivers collide. The M25 clockwise from junction 7 to 21 will be a nightmare, with delays topping 90 minutes.
Saturday jams peak 3pm–6pm. Early starts are the best bet to beat queues. The M5 southbound, a key holiday artery, will crawl between Bristol (J16) and Taunton (J25), adding over an hour to journeys.
Other trouble spots include M25 anticlockwise near the M23, the A14 heading east, plus the M3 and A34 pushing traffic to South Coast resorts.
And don’t forget Friday 31 May! The M25 clockwise will be gridlocked again, with journeys between the M23 and M1 nearly tripling to three hours.
RAC and INRIX Warn: Prepare for the Traffic Battle
Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson, says: “This weekend could be the busiest of the year. Millions are hitting the road to kick off half-term and the long weekend. Traffic volumes might reach levels not seen since before coronavirus.”
“Make sure your car is road-ready. Book a service, check your tyres, oil, and coolant. Mobile mechanics like the RAC Mobile Mechanic can help last minute.”
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, adds: “Expect long delays, especially near cities and popular coastlines. Travel early or late to miss gridlock. Keep tabs on traffic apps like myRAC and listen to local news.”
Weather Forecast: Mixed Bag with Warmer Temperatures
Met Office’s Stephen Dixon says: “There’s a chance of dry, fine weather in some areas, with above-average temperatures for May. But expect showers and possibly thundery bursts in places. Keep updated as the weekend approaches.”
So buckle up, plan your journey wisely, and prepare for one of the busiest bank holidays on UK roads in years!
