Congestion warning as 12m leisure trips planned this weekend

Sarah Tooze, Consumer Editor
Thu, 25 Aug 2022

• 12.5m leisure journeys by car predicted over the August bank holiday weekend.
• Friday, 26 August set to be the busiest day, with 4.3m trips planned. 
• Drivers advised to carry out car maintenance checks and set off early. 

Drivers are being warned about congestion hotspots with an estimated 12.5 million leisure journeys by car expected between Friday and the end of bank holiday Monday.

The RAC expects Friday to be the most popular day for getting away with around 4.3m separate leisure trips planned, followed by Saturday with 2.3m and Sunday and Monday each with 1.3m.

An estimated additional 3.3m trips will be taken at some point between Friday and the end of Monday, a number that could increase “dramatically” if the weather is good.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Despite more people choosing to head abroad on holiday this summer compared to the last two years, the cost-of-living crisis has meant many people have again opted for a break in the UK – and that’s led to some busy conditions on the roads."

The stretch of the M25 between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing will see some of the busiest conditions throughout the weekend, according to transport analytics provider INRIX.

The south west of England, particularly the A303, is also expected to be busy with the RAC’s research suggesting some 3.6m leisure trips by car are planned to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset alone between Friday and Monday, peaking on Friday with around 2m individual journeys.

INRIX also suggests the M60, between J7 for the A56 (Altrincham) and J18 for the M62, and the M25 clockwise, between J7 for the M23 and J16 for the M40, are likely to see bank holiday tailbacks.

With the inevitable strain on some parts of the road network, the RAC is warning drivers to plan ahead to avoid congestion and do whatever they can to avert a breakdown. Checking tyre pressures and tread, as well as oil and coolant levels, can cut the likelihood of a breakdown. It’s also important drivers have enough fuel or charge for whatever journey they are planning, and schedule enough stops to avoid driving tired.

Ask HJ

Can you recommend a small automatic for motorway driving?

I want to buy a five-door small automatic car to commute to work and should last for another 10 years or so with an average miles of around 12,000 miles a year. Most of the driving is on motorway.

We don't know your budget so we can't be very specific. Assuming you want something three years old or less, we'd be looking at things like a DSG-equipped VW Polo or a Peugeot 208/Vauxhall Corsa EAT8. If reliability matters most check out the CVT Honda Jazz (or the newest hybrid one), the latest Toyota Yaris Hybrid and the Kia Rio automatic - the Kia has a seven-year warranty.

Answered by Lawrence Allan

More Questions

Ask HJ

What is the best car for motorway journeys?

What is the best car for lots of motorway miles? The car must have a big boot, AWD/ 4WD and be comfortable. My budget is £20,000.

A Skoda Octavia Scout could be a good option. It's a comfortable and practical 4x4 estate car with an efficient diesel engine. Your budget will get you an example from around 2018. Alternatively, consider whether you really need four-wheel drive. 4x4s tend to be more expensive to buy and run, and will be unnecessary for motorway journeys.

Answered by Andrew Brady

More Questions