Expect delays this weekend as 15 million journeys planned, motorists warned

Saturday will be the busiest day on the roads, says RAC

Expect delays this bank holiday weekend, says RAC (Getty Images)

Almost 15 million car journeys are being planned this May bank holiday weekend, the highest number since 2016.

Data from the RAC shows that around 62 per cent more leisure trips are planned this bank holiday – the first since lockdown measures were significantly eased on 12 April – compared to four weeks ago.

The RAC, which surveyed 1,000 drivers, is warning motorists to plan ahead for possible delays between Friday and Monday.

Its data shows Saturday will be the busiest day on the roads, with 2.6 million journeys planned; followed by Friday with 2.3 million journeys and bank holiday Monday with 2 million. The RAC says an extra 6.2 million trips will be taken at some point over the weekend.

“After what was one of the quietest Easters on the roads in years, our figures suggest the easing of Covid restrictions has made a dramatic difference with millions more drivers planning to hit the roads,” says RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis.

“Nonetheless, the prospect of queues on the roads – particularly leading to major shopping centres – looks far more likely this coming weekend, and we’d advise drivers to plan ahead and keep tuned to local traffic bulletins to find out if there’s any disruption.

“What’s more, given nearly a fifth of drivers we surveyed said they had yet to decide on which day over the long weekend they will be travelling, it might well be the case that the weather ends up playing a deciding role in which days end up being busiest. Any sunnier, warmer days could trigger many more people to jump into their cars.”