Motorists have been warned to expect a ‘weekend of woe’ as droves of families descend on motorways as schools across the nation break-up for summer this week.
Many schools across England and Wales are set to close their doors for the six-week holiday break, bringing joy to youngsters across the two countries.
But with their happiness comes misery for drivers, as 13.8 million motorists are set to embark on leisure trips on Friday and Saturday, according to the RAC.
Traffic is expected to peak on Friday with over 3.2 million travellers wrestling their way to airports and holiday destinations in the UK.
The weekend of travel pandemonium is predicted to be the busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015, behind 2022 which saw 18.8 million hit the highways after two years of coronavirus lockdowns and amidst a heatwave.
13.8 million motorists are set to embark on leisure trips on Friday and Saturday, the RAC reports (stock image of a traffic jam on the M1 motorway)
The weekend of travel chaos is expected to be the busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015 (stock image of holidaymakers in Devon in 2018)
The traffic chaos is only set to persist well into the weekend, with a further 3.6 million and another 2.9 million taking to the roads on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
According to transport analytics company Inrix, the worst delays on roads will be between 12pm and 5pm on Friday and Saturday as well as between 11am and 1pm on Sunday.
Routes heading to popular seaside destinations are expected to become increasingly busy from Friday, with roads from Preston to Blackpool and between Pease Pottage and Brighton anticipated to be rammed.
Some of the worst queues are expected to emerge on the M5 heading south from near Bristol to Bridgwater, as holidaymakers flock to Devon and Cornwall.
RAC spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: ‘To avoid a weekend of woe on the roads during one of the busiest of the year, we’d advise as many people as possible to leave as early as they can to try and disperse car journeys over a longer period.
‘Any holidaymakers – whether they’re driving to a UK destination or heading overseas – should plan their journeys carefully and leave plenty of extra time before setting off.’
Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue said: ‘Drivers should expect long queues on major roads when heading to and from their destinations during this summer getaway.
‘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.’
The second busiest summer getaway weekend was in 2022 which saw 18.8 million hit the highways after two years of coronavirus lockdowns during a heatwave (stock image of a traffic jam on the M1)
The worst delays on roads will be between 12pm and 5pm on Friday and Saturday as well as between 11am and 1pm on Sunday, transport analysts have said (stock image)
The RAC have urged drivers to embark on their journeys as early as possible to avoid a weekend of traffic misery (stock image)
Ms Simpson also urged drivers to make sure their car is fit for travel, with a recent poll indicated 11 per cent of drivers went on holiday despite knowing there was an issue with their car.
She said the results of this poll were ‘huge concern’.
She urged all drivers to ensure their cars are ready for a trip by getting all outstanding issues fixed, and to check oil, coolant and tyre treads and pressures before setting off.
The survey of 2,435 UK adults was conducted by research company Find Out Now between July 8 and 12.
