May Bank Holiday Set for Traffic ‘May’hem as 16 Million Drivers Hit the Road
Get ready, Britain! Over 16 million drivers are gearing up for the first May bank holiday weekend, promising what experts predict could be a weekend of total traffic “May”hem. Research from the RAC and transport analytics firm INRIX shows travel volumes will smash pre-pandemic levels.
Traffic Surge to Peak on Saturday – Millions on the Move
The getaway frenzy kicks off Friday, May 3rd, peaking on Saturday with a whopping 3.3 million journeys expected. Sunday and Monday won’t be far behind, with 2.3 million and 2.6 million trips forecast respectively. On top of that, 5.6 million more drivers are toying with travel plans across the weekend.
Interestingly, 39% plan to use their cars for some quality holiday time, while just 4% are taking to the skies.
Expect Heavy Delays on Major Routes – Avoid Peak Times!
INRIX warns drivers to steer clear of peak travel hours if you want to dodge the worst jams. Key congestion windows include:
- Thursday: 1pm – 7pm
- Friday: 11am – 6pm
- Saturday: 9am – 2pm
- Sunday & Monday: 10am – 3pm
Travel before 9am or after 5pm for a smoother ride, they advise.
Friday is shaping up to be the worst day, with journey times on major routes expected to be 13% longer than usual. Early Thursday morning could also see delays, especially on the M53 southbound, where traffic jams could add 45 minutes.
The busiest hotspot? The M5 southbound between bristol/" title="Bristol" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bristol and Taunton on Friday afternoon, where drivers might face delays of nearly two hours due to the mix of getaway and commuter traffic.
Plan Ahead: Train Strikes Could Add to Road Chaos
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson urges drivers to plan return trips carefully, especially those extending holidays into next week. She warns that train strikes from May 7th to 11th will likely push more commuters onto roads, ramping up congestion.
“With industrial action hitting rail services, expect more vehicles clogging the roads. Plan carefully to avoid getting stuck,” Simpson said.
INRIX’s Bob Pishue echoed the warning, highlighting the collision of holiday traffic and everyday commuters as a recipe for serious delays.
Stay Ahead of the Traffic and Weather
As millions take to the roads, careful planning is crucial. Be aware of potential travel disruptions including heavy downpours and thunderstorms forecast to hit parts of the UK this weekend. Check before you travel to make your bank holiday run as smooth as possible.
