The August bank holiday is in our sight and for many that will mean a well-earned holiday or trip out with family and friends. However, be aware that the AA is anticipating that nearly 15 million car journeys will be made over the long weekend and that means queues and subsequently, not the relaxed trip you may have hoped to experience.
According to the motoring organisation, traffic for the final major getaway of summer will start to build on Friday, August 26. Road trips are expected to continue throughout Sunday and bank holiday Monday, with afternoons and evenings expected to be particularly busy.
The AA Route Planner has issued an Amber Traffic Warning lasting from Friday, August 26, until Monday, August 29. So, if you are a festival goer, day-tripper or holiday maker, make sure you pick not only your best route but also the best time of the day to make the journey.
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The AA estimates that 45 percent of drivers will embark on a car journey during the long weekend. Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "This year we are predicting up to 15 million journeys will be made over the August bank holiday, as families make the most of the warm weather and have a last hurrah before the new school year."
Holiday travellers are expected to be taking average of the slight drop in the price of petrol, too. On Sunday, August 21, petrol fell to 171.41p a litre, at the beginning of July it had hit a record of 191.53p a litre. Diesel also continues to fall, on Sunday it averaged at 182.70p a litre against its 199.07p a litre record at the start of July.
What are the busiest times
The AA expects Saturday (August 27) traffic to reach its peak between 10am until 4pm, followed by the next busiest travel days of Friday and Monday.
Sean Sidley adds: “With events and festivals fully back to normal localised congestion will peak at closing time around major venues, but the rest of the UK could see peak journeys throughout Saturday.
“Traffic is likely to build again from Monday afternoon and into Tuesday, so allow plenty of time if you’re travelling then. Routes to and from coastal resorts and beauty spots will be among the busiest, so drivers should plan ahead for the journey and check your car before you go.”
Which are the busiest roads
With the weather forecast for the UK looking good for the long weekend, routes to the coast, cities and festival sites are anticipated to get busy. There's a range of events schedule. Reading and Leeds Festivals will start drawing in the cars from mid-week, then there's CarFest South, the Notting Hill Carnival, the final weekend of the Edinburgh Fringe and a full programme of Football League and Premier League fixtures.
Predicted AA Route Planner traffic hotspots:
- M62 Liverpool to Manchester section and Leeds
- M4/M5 interchange near Bristol
- M25 Western and South Western sections
- M5 between Taunton and Exeter
- M1 between the M25 and Newport Pagnell
- M6/M42 Birmingham
- M60
- M56
- Edinburgh area (M8, A90, A720)
Drivers are advised to expect delays on major routes and plan ahead, as crucial car checks could prevent a bank holiday breakdown. Last year, the AA attended nearly 40,000 breakdowns over the August bank holiday weekend.
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