As schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, an estimated 12.6 million drivers are set to make getaway trips by car this coming weekend, surpassing the average annual exodus before the pandemic, according to data from the RAC. The research suggests that Saturday will witness the highest volume of leisure travellers on the road, with approximately 3.1 million separate trips anticipated. This is followed by Sunday with an estimated 2.5 million trips, and Friday with up to 2.3 million leisure trips. Additionally, it is predicted that an extra 4.8 million journeys will be made between Friday and the end of Sunday.
Although the overall number of trips is lower compared to last year, the total projected number of getaway journeys over the entire weekend, including Friday, exceeds the pre-pandemic average. This indicates that many families are opting for holidays within the UK instead of travelling abroad. However, the RAC is concerned that the longer distances covered by drivers could lead to an increase in breakdowns. Therefore, they urge drivers to check their vehicles before embarking on their journeys.
Transport experts at INRIX warn of longer-than-normal delays on certain key routes. On Friday, delays of up to 45 minutes are expected on the southbound M5 between J15 near Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater, which is one of the country’s major holiday routes. The M25 anticlockwise between J10 for the A3 Kingston and J6 for the A22 East Grinstead is also anticipated to experience significant congestion on this day, as end-of-the-week commuter traffic mixes with getaway traffic.
INRIX advises drivers to avoid major roads between late morning and early evening from Thursday to Sunday. The best times to travel on these days are generally before 8 am in the morning or after 7 pm. They also recommend using traffic apps and staying updated with local traffic broadcasts to minimize frustrations.
According to separate research by the RAC, 26% of the total driving population is planning to use their cars for holidays within the UK during July and August. The West Country is the most popular destination, with 28% of this group choosing to stay in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, or Somerset. The coasts of Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent are the next favoured destinations (13% of drivers), followed by Scotland (12%) and North Wales (10%).
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis emphasizes the popularity of the UK as a holiday destination and warns of potential queues, especially on routes heading south and west. He urges drivers to conduct basic vehicle checks, such as ensuring appropriate levels of oil and coolant, sufficient tire tread, and proper tire inflation. Dennis also advises drivers to schedule a vehicle service before their holidays, reminding them that RAC Mobile Mechanics are available for bookings, providing professional servicing at the driver’s location.
While fuel prices are still higher than expected given wholesale prices, they are significantly lower than last year. The cost of filling an average family-sized car with petrol is approximately £25 less than a year ago, and £30 less for a diesel car. Drivers can find the cheapest fuel nearby by using the free myRAC app.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, stresses the importance of planning ahead, using traffic apps, and staying informed about local traffic conditions to minimize frustrations during this busy getaway period.
The Met Office predicts an unsettled weather pattern for the weekend, with sunshine and showers expected on Friday and the possibility of longer periods of rain, particularly in western areas, on Saturday.
The RAC website provides advice to drivers on how to reduce the chances of a vehicle breakdown, offering useful tips and information.
As the number of drivers embarking on summer getaways reaches record levels, traffic management and cautious driving are essential to ensure a safe and smooth journey for everyone on the roads.
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