Nearly 18m drivers hitting the roads this weekend
A massive 17.6 million leisure journeys are expected to take place by car this August bank holiday, according to new figures from the RAC and transport analysts INRIX.
The RAC expects traffic to build from Friday to Saturday with three million getaway trips likely to take place on Friday 22 August, rising to 3.4 million on Saturday. A further 2.4 million are planned on Sunday and 2.7 million on Monday, while an additional 6.1 million drivers are planning trips at some point between Friday and Monday.
Although the overall number of journeys is lower than the record 19.2 million seen in 2024, it is still the second highest since 2020 when 18.4 million drivers planned to get away as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
INRIX forecasts the M5 between Bristol and Devon will be among the busiest routes, with delays of more than 40 minutes expected on the stretch from J15 north of Bristol to J23 for Bridgwater on both Friday and Saturday. The M20 in Kent is also likely to suffer hold-ups of more than half an hour on Friday afternoon in both directions, from J7 near Maidstone to J3 westbound and from J1 at Swanley to J5 at Aylesford eastbound.
The busiest times to drive are expected to be between 10am and 7pm on Friday, 9am and 5pm on Saturday and 11am and 6pm on Monday. The best times to set off are after 7pm on Friday, before 9am on Saturday and before 11am on Monday. Traffic is expected to be mostly free-flowing on Sunday.
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.
“Every minute is precious on bank holidays and a breakdown has no place on the itinerary. Be confident your car is ‘road ready’ by checking it has enough oil and coolant, as well as ensuring that tyres are free of damage, have enough tread and are inflated properly.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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