More than 14MILLION drivers will hit the roads this long weekend – these are the times and roads to avoid
BRITAIN'S roads are expected to be heaving this weekend, as more than 14million drivers head out to enjoy the bank holiday.
And Friday will be the busiest day for motorists' leisure trips, according to current research.
The RAC has predicted a whopping 4.45million drivers will hit the road on Friday to start their weekend getaway a day early.
But anyone planning on leaving late afternoon could find themselves stuck in heavy traffic, as the most congested period will fall between 4pm and 7pm.
Saturday will then see another 3.82million cars on the road, clogging up motorways for most of the day from 10am-4pm.
Sunday and Monday are also expected to see just under three million leisure trips each, with the busiest periods coming after midday.
The study also revealed the areas which are likely to see the worst traffic around the country.
The M25 between Gatwick and the M1 could see drivers at a standstill for some of the busiest periods, along with areas of the M5 near Bristol.
Both the M3 and M4 near London will cause problems, while those driving from Exeter to Cornwall should expect delays.
And in light of recent fuel hikes, Brits are expected to fork out more on fuel than they did on the same weekend for the last two years.
Expected busiest times on the roads this bank holiday weekend
- Friday May 25: 4pm-7pm
- Saturday May 26: 10am-4pm
- Sunday May 27: 10am-4pm
- Monday May 28: 12pm-4pm
Drivers currently pay about £6 more to fill an average 55-litre family car with petrol than this time last year, and nearly £7 more for a similar diesel car.
RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Our research focuses on those leisure trips drivers are planning especially because of the bank holiday – so journeys like day trips with friends and family, or perhaps departing for a short break or half-term holiday.
“Motorists planning on covering any significant distance should try to avoid Friday afternoon and evening and get away early on Saturday or Sunday to miss the worst of the jams.
PUMP PAIN What is the petrol price today, why has the cost of fuel per litre increased and will it rise further?
"But with the UK’s constrained road space, and with road traffic at an all-time high, it doesn’t take much for congestion to occur so the message is to expect queues on some of the busiest routes, especially if the current weather forecasts become true.
“Sadly though, taking a break by car this year is going to cost a lot more than in the last few years. Motorists have already endured more than three weeks of rising fuel prices at the pumps, and current data suggests they are not about to stop.
Latest motors news
“Those looking to save the number of trips they need to make to fill up the car should follow some basic tips for driving as efficiently as possible: accelerate and brake gently, change up the gears early in a manual car and stick to speed limits – in fact driving faster than about 55mph to 60mph sees the efficiency of car’s deteriorate significantly.
“It’s also a good idea to ensure that every tyre on a car is properly inflated, as this can also help improve efficiency.
"Some other tips to boost a car’s ‘mpg’ – such as packing lightly and not using the air conditioning – are unlikely to be terribly popular among many drivers this bank holiday weekend."
Earlier this week, we revealed the most dangerous day for Brits to be driving this weekend.