TRAFFIC WARNING: Record-breaking traffic expected this August Bank Holiday as millions take to the road

This August bank holiday is set to witness the busiest roads in nearly a decade, with 19.2 million leisure journeys expected, according to new data from the RAC. The surge in travel is attributed to drivers eager for day trips during the last long weekend of the summer.

Saturday 24 August is forecasted to be the peak day for travel, with 3.7 million journeys anticipated. However, Friday (3.2 million), Sunday (3.1 million), and Bank Holiday Monday (3 million) are also expected to see heavy traffic. Notably, 6.2 million drivers remain undecided on their travel times, potentially adding to congestion throughout the weekend.

This level of activity marks the highest number of bank holiday getaway trips since the RAC began tracking these figures in 2015. The vast majority of these journeys are day trips, with 84% of respondents planning a single-day outing. Only 10% of drivers intend to travel for a longer holiday, either within the UK or abroad, while 6% will be returning from their holidays.

Transport analytics firm INRIX warns of significant delays throughout Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August. The worst congestion is expected between 10am and 6pm on Friday and from 10am to 1pm on Saturday. Drivers are advised to avoid these peak times, with suggestions to travel after 6pm on Friday or after 2pm on Saturday to minimise delays.

Adding to the usual holiday traffic, the Reading and Leeds music festivals are expected to cause severe disruption on major routes, particularly around Leeds. The A1, A1(M), M1, M62, and A64 are predicted to see travel times double on Friday 23 August, especially during lunchtime.

Those not attending the Reading Festival are advised to steer clear of junction 11 of the M4 eastbound, the M3 junction 6 at Black Dam, and the Wendlebury interchange at junction 9 of the M40. Festival-goers heading to Reading are encouraged to take the train, given the close proximity of the station to the festival grounds.

The Port of Dover is also gearing up for a busy weekend, with more than 20,000 cars expected to pass through its harbour from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August. Peak travel hours are forecasted between 6am and 1pm on these days.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson, Alice Simpson, said: “With the end of the school holidays fast approaching it seems day trips will be the main cause of traffic this weekend, so for many drivers it could be a case of ‘day trip delays’. As our data shows, this weekend is likely to be the busiest August Bank Holiday on the roads for nine years, so it’s important everyone ensures their vehicle is in good condition to avoid facing an unwanted breakdown.

“Whether you’re off to a festival, the coast or a theme park or meeting up with friends and family elsewhere, the usual trusted advice applies: leave as early as you can to avoid the jams or be prepared to sit in some lengthy queues.”

Port of Dover chief executive, Doug Bannister, said: “We continue to advise those sailing from the Port of Dover that it is still necessary that they do not arrive any earlier than the two hours requested – just as if they were planning on flying from a UK airport.

“Travellers going through the port this summer may notice the works underway to prepare for the introduction of the EU’s new Entry / Exit system, due to go live in November. With capacity in our pre-border processing space reduced, we also appreciate our customers’ support if they experience a longer wait time, but rest assured you will get away on the next available sailing.

“Furthermore, we expect to welcome back in the region of 9,000 cars to the UK throughout the weekend, as people return from their summer breaks.”

National Network manager at National Highways, Dale Hipkiss, said: “We’re lifting more than 500 miles of roadworks to keep people moving this August Bank Holiday, and almost 97% of the network will be free from roadworks over the long weekend. We anticipate the roads will be busier than usual and are reminding people to check before they travel and leave plenty of extra time.

“Seaside resorts, airports and theme parks are likely to be amongst some of the most popular destinations, along with attractions such as Leeds Festival, and routes in Kent will also be busier as people head to Europe via the ports for some last-minute sun.

“Some small checks, top-ups and rest as outlined in our TRIP guidance, are all things we encourage drivers to carry out before a long journey, to help keep them and their passengers safe, whilst avoiding any unnecessary delays or costly repair bills.”