A massive 17.6m leisure journeys are expected to take place by car this August bank holiday with drivers in England and Wales eager to enjoy the last long weekend before Christmas.
The RAC expects traffic to build from Friday to Saturday with 3m getaway trips likely to take place this Friday 22 August, rising to 3.4m on Saturday 23 August.
A further 2.4m are planned on Sunday and 2.7m on Monday, while an additional 6.1m drivers are planning trips at some point between Friday and Monday.
In Wales, congestion is likely on the M4 approaching the Brynglas, Newport tunnels, Port Talbot to Morriston section, before Pont Abraham Services where the motorway terminates, Carmarthen town and in North Wales along various parts of the A55 and crossing into or out of Anglesey.
Although the overall number of getaway journeys is down on the record figure of 19.2m in 2024, it’s still the second highest since 2020 when 18.4m drivers said they planned to get away as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
The busiest times to drive will be between 10am and 7pm on Friday, 9am and 5pm on Saturday and 11am and 6pm on Monday. The best time to travel on Friday is after 7pm, whereas on Saturday it’s before 9am and on Monday before 11am. On Sunday, however, traffic is expected to be mostly free-flowing.
With the roads likely to get even busier if the UK’s spell of hot weather continues, the RAC is advising drivers to do everything they can to reduce the chance of a breakdown.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said, “With this bank holiday being the last opportunity to enjoy a long weekend before Christmas, our study shows a real eagerness to get out and about with nearly 18m drivers planning getaway trips.
“More traffic on the roads will inevitably lead to more vehicle breakdowns, especially if the sun makes an appearance and people decide on the day to visit popular destinations.
“We’re expecting major roads to airports and coastal destinations to be extremely busy, especially the South East and South West regions which could end up bearing the brunt of most holiday hold-ups. Anyone planning routes through these areas should set off as early as possible or be prepared to spend longer in traffic.
