Motorists across the UK are gearing up for severe travel chaos this May bank holiday weekend. Nearly 18 million road trips are expected, with Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May set to be the busiest. Brace yourself for major delays!
Double Trouble: Friday & Saturday Set for Gridlock
Data from the RAC and transport analysts INRIX show that both Friday and Saturday will each see 3.4 million leisure journeys. Experts warn of a “double dose of delays.” Sunday 25 May will be a slightly calmer day with 2.7 million trips, but traffic spikes again to 3 million on Bank Holiday Monday.
Almost 70% of journeys are planned between 5am and midday. Drivers are advised to steer clear of peak morning hours. Experts recommend travelling very early or after 7pm when congestion eases.
M25, A30 & M5: The UK’s Top Congestion Hotspots
The M25 will suffer the worst delays. On Friday 23 May, drivers heading anticlockwise from junction 4 to junction 1 near Dartford Crossing should expect wait times over 45 minutes. Later that evening, the stretch between Cobham (J10) and Clacket Lane (J6) could see 35-minute delays during rush hour.
On Saturday 24 May, holidaymakers heading to the West Country will face heavy traffic. The A30 westbound to Okehampton, M5 southbound towards Bridgwater, and the A303 past Stonehenge could all grind to a halt with delays up to 55 minutes.
Return journeys on Friday 30 May, marking the end of the school half-term break, are predicted to get slower too. Average journey times may increase by a hefty 35%.
Expert Tips: Travel Smart or Stay Stuck
Aaron Bryan, RAC Mobile Mechanic, urges drivers to travel early or late to skip the worst jams.
“If the warm weather continues, travelling in cooler hours helps conserve fuel, reduces vehicle strain, and lowers breakdown risks—especially for older cars.”
He also advises motorists to:
- Check oil, coolant, tyre pressure, and tread before setting off
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and basic tools
- Consider mobile mechanic services to dodge last-minute garage disasters
Where Will the Hold-Ups Hit? Top Destinations & Impact
Devon and Cornwall remain the top UK hotspots for the weekend. But expect jams in other coastal and rural areas too. The M25, a major artery into the South East, will be choked again on 30 May as holidaymakers return.
With millions hitting the roads, the warning is clear: plan wisely or prepare to be stuck in standstill traffic all bank holiday long!
