ON THE ROAD: Record traffic predicted as UK summer getaway kicks off

The UK's roads are set to be inundated as an estimated 27 million leisure trips by car take place over the next six days, according to new data from the RAC and transport analysts INRIX.

With many schools closing tomorrow, the RAC anticipates 2.4 million getaway trips by car on that day alone, with leisure traffic gradually building towards the weekend. Wednesday could see an additional 2.6 million journeys, 2.5 million on Thursday, and another 5.4 million spread between Monday and Thursday.

In total, the RAC expects 13 million getaway journeys between Monday and Thursday, ahead of the traditional end-of-week rush. ‘Frantic Friday’ is forecast to bring 3.2 million trips as leisure and commuter traffic collide on the roads.

The weekend is likely to bring even more congestion. Saturday 27 July is expected to see 3.6 million journeys, followed by 2.9 million on Sunday. Over the weekend, another 4 million trips are anticipated, bringing the weekend total to 13.8 million.

These three days will make it the second busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015, surpassed only by 2022 when 18.8 million trips were recorded in extremely hot weather post-lockdowns.

INRIX advises drivers to avoid travelling between 12pm and 5pm on both Friday and Saturday, and between 11am and 1pm on Sunday, when the worst delays are expected. The best travel times will be after 6pm on Friday and Saturday, or 3pm on Sunday. Saturday will see the longest delays, with hold-ups on A-roads and motorways taking a third longer than usual.

Traffic heading to major UK airports and staycation spots will begin to build from Thursday 25 July. Delays of over half an hour are predicted between the Chiswell Interchange near St Albans southbound to Gatwick Airport, and on the A303 eastbound between Ilminster and Andover, which is a key route to London and the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth.

The worst queue, over two hours, is expected on Saturday lunchtime on the M5 southbound between J15 (the M4 and M5 interchange near Bristol) and J23 for Bridgwater, as holidaymakers head to Devon and Cornwall.

With millions of cars on the road, separate research by the RAC highlights that some drivers are taking risks. One in ten admit to driving to a holiday destination despite knowing there was an issue with their vehicle, ranging from warning lights and mechanical issues to fluid leaks and poor tyre tread.

As the great summer getaway unfolds, it is clear that planning journeys outside peak times and ensuring vehicle safety will be crucial for a smoother trip.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Anyone heading off on holiday on Saturday or Sunday should expect a weekend of woe on the roads with journeys taking far longer than normal. If you can’t set off really early, then it's highly likely you’ll be sitting in traffic for quite some time.

“Our research suggests this year’s getaway is set to be busier than average, possibly due to the UK inflation rate having slowed, giving people a bit more confidence to spend. However, with our recent bad weather causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues to major airports should not be underestimated. We’d advise drivers to plan their routes well in advance if jetting off abroad this week.

“It’s a huge concern that one-in-10 drivers holidaying at home have driven to their destination knowing there’s an issue with their car. That’s the equivalent of more than 2.7m drivers at the wheel of a faulty vehicle this week – a truly frightening statistic – which may lead to a breakdown or even worse, an accident.

“If you suspect something’s wrong with your car or it needs some routine maintenance, it’s well worth booking an RAC Mobile Mechanic to carry out a repair or service at home or work, in advance of your holiday. The expense of a nasty repair and precious lost holiday time far outweighs the cost of some ‘vehicle TLC’ before you set off.”

Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said: “Drivers should expect long queues on major roads when heading to and from their destinations during this summer getaway. To receive the most up-to-date travel information available, they should monitor news outlets and use the RAC’s route planner to receive live traffic updates. Being flexible with your route – whether it’s the time you leave or a journey that’s longer in miles with fewer delays – could also reduce the stress of being held up and make for a more enjoyable trip.”