THE worst time to travel over Easter Bank Holiday weekend has been revealed with 19million Brits expected to hit the roads during scorching weather.
An extra one million drivers will join the getaway compared to the same holiday last year, according to research from the .
The M1 is one motorway which is expected to see big delays Credit: Getty
Some 39 per cent of motorists intend to use the UK’s motorways and major A-roads for leisure trips, undeterred by fuel costs and spurred on by predictions of a weekend .
Friday and Saturday are expected to bear the brunt of the traffic and will be the worst days to travel.
Around 3.8 million drivers planning to make their escape on each day, said the RAC.
Meanwhile, Sunday will see an estimated 3.4 million journeys.
This will be followed by 3.1 million on bank holiday Monday as families stagger their returns.
It comes as Brits look forward to what could be the first heatwave of the year this weekend, which will see the mercury soar to highs of 31C.
The has said that the heatwave – defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature – is expected to last from Friday until Tuesday, with .
Central and western and parts of will slowly warm up too as the weekend progresses, reaching highs of 28-29C.
analytics company Inrix said the worst motorway jams will be on the M1, M5, M6 and M25.
The M25 anticlockwise is predicted to suffer heavy congestion between junctions 10 and 6 around 4.45pm on Friday as commuters mingle with holidaymakers.
The same stretch will see a second spike at Saturday lunchtime, doubling normal travel times.
Queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on Saturday on the M5 southbound from Junction 16 near Bristol to Junction 23 for Bridgwater.
Millions of Brits are set to hit the roads for a Bank Holiday getaway to enjoy the hot weather Credit: Alamy Biggest predicted delays on Bank Holiday
Motorists will face a sequence of gruelling bottlenecks across the long weekend, according to Inrix data.
- Friday afternoon will see the first major pinch points as the M4 westbound from the Severn Crossing to Bridgend hits delays of 43 minutes.
- Meanwhile, the M25 anticlockwise will suffer gridlock of up to 40 minutes between junctions 10 and 6, alongside a 38-minute hold-up further north between junctions 17 and 12.
- The congestion will intensify into Saturday, particularly in the South West where early afternoon drivers on the M5 southbound between junctions 15 and 23 face a 46-minute delay.
- The M25 anticlockwise remains a hotspot with a 38-minute delay in the mid-morning between junctions 17 and 12.
- This is followed by a 34-minute delay between junctions 10 and 6 in the early afternoon.
- And the West Midlands will see late afternoon queues of 31 minutes on the M6 northbound between junctions 5 and 10A.
- Bank holiday Monday is predicted to bring the worst single delay of the weekend.
- Early afternoon motorists on the M1 southbound between junctions 16 and 6 set to lose 52 minutes in traffic.
- Drivers heading home will also encounter a 45-minute delay on the M6 southbound in the North West between junctions 27 and 13 during the late morning.
- There is also expected to be a 41-minute delay on the M4 westbound in Wales, and a 34-minute delay on the M5 northbound in the South West, both occurring in the early afternoon.
Among the 61 per cent of motorists staying put, just five per cent blame the recent surge in petrol and prices – which has been driven by conflict in the Middle East.
A further five per cent intend to shorten their journeys to save , though nearly a third admit they are increasingly worried about fuel costs.
RAC Fuel Watch data shows the average price of unleaded has hit 158.52p – its highest level since December 2022 – while diesel stands at 185.92p.
Filling a typical family petrol car now costs £87, up £14 on last year, while a tank of diesel has jumped by £26 to top £102.
Drivers hoping to avoid the gridlock are being advised to travel outside peak hours.
After an unusually cooler May, the balmy will no doubt be warmly welcomed by families as the bank holiday and half term begin.
The UK Security Agency activated a six-day health alert today across southern, eastern and central areas of England.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “As we emerge from a period of unsettled, chilly weather, it’s important to remember to get your car ready.
“Checking the and coolant is a pre-getaway must, followed by ensuring all tyres have plenty of tread, are in good condition, and are pumped up to the right pressures, something that also helps with fuel economy.
“Screenwash is also important at this time of year to make sure you always have a good, clear and bug-free view of the road.
“Make sure you’re taking enough drinking water for the journey, keeping in mind that you might spend longer on the road than usual due to traffic jams.
“Having a phone, charging cable and a portable battery pack readily available, in case the worst does occur and you do find yourself stuck by the side of the road, is also important.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
