BRITS have been warned of the exact roads to avoid travelling on across the Bank Holiday as 14 million cars are set to make a journey.
RAC experts have revealed a map which shows the worst travel routes as well as the best times to hop in your motor – don’t get caught out.
AFPHolidaymakers have been warned of the exact roads to avoid travelling on across the bank holiday[/caption]
RAC experts have revealed a map which shows the worst travel routes
Transport gurus, INRIX, have warned of travel chaos on M1 North J12 to J16, M25 anticlockwise J4 to J1, and M4 East J29 to J24.
On Saturday, experts say the roads to watch out for are the M5 South J15 to J23.
Whereas on Sunday, nasty traffic is likely to build up on the M1 South J16 to J6.
Meanwhile, on Monday, holidaymakers are set to see the worst disruption on the M5 North, J25 to J15.
This comes as the insurance and breakdown cover company predict Saturday will bring the most traffic chaos, with over three million journeys being made.
Long queues could be worsened by stormy weather predicted for those in the north and west.
If you plan to beat the congestion, Friday isn’t a safe bet either, according to the RAC, who say 2.8 million Brits will be travelling.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, around 2.3 million drivers will get behind the wheel.
Bank holiday Monday is set to be the calmest day, with just under two million cars on the roads as many holidaymakers have already reached their destination.
But, these figures don’t take into account the other 4.2 million trips that will be made by people who haven’t decided on which day to travel yet.
And, travel disruption may soar as the Met Office forecasts heavy showers on Monday.
Unfortunately Brits are predicted a mixed forecast with some sun but temperatures a little below the August average.
The mercury is set to hover between 19C to 22C across the UK, with London only reaching 20C on Saturday and slightly better on Sunday at 21C.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Rain and showers could move into the north-west of the country over the bank holiday weekend, proceeding east and south across the country into the following week.”
TRAVEL TIMES
If you do need to make a trip on Friday, an evening drive may be your best bet – with the exact times to avoid hitting the rush due between 10am and 7pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, the RAC advises staying away from major roads from 10am to 3pm.
But on bank holiday Monday, experts suggested staying put between 10am and 4pm.
The optimum time to beat traffic disruption on Friday, Sunday and Monday is before 10am, whereas on Saturday it is after 3pm.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson, Simon Williams, said: “Those looking to have uninterrupted journeys should aim to travel very early to beat the jams, or if that’s not possible, much later in the day if they’re planning to be travelling on Friday.
“With breakdown numbers already well exceeding previous years, we’re urging drivers to do all they can to avoid finding themselves broken-down at the side of the road by carrying out a few essential vehicle checks before setting off.”
Simon suggested taking a look at your motor’s oil levels and tyre pressure to avoid expensive repairs.
He added: “And despite what some might think, there still could be time to get a vehicle serviced or repaired, particularly if booked with one of the RAC’s Mobile Mechanics who carry out work at customers’ homes or workplaces.”
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, added: “We expect this bank holiday weekend to be very busy on major roads, with Friday and Saturday seeing the longest delays compared to normal.
Those looking to have uninterrupted journeys should aim to travel very early to beat the jams, or if that’s not possible, much later in the day if they’re planning to be travelling on Friday.”
Simon Williams
“While the most significant delays over the three days are going to be on the M25 and M1, routes to the West will inevitably be badly affected too.”
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said: “At this stage, the weekend is looking like being a mixture of sunshine and showers.
“On Friday these are likely to be more frequent and heavier in the northern half of the UK, but the south won’t be immune to them either.
“While it’s looking like an unsettled picture, the finer details will be determined nearer the time. It’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast ahead of any weekend travel.”
This comes after thousands of Brits were affected by bank holiday and half-term traffic disruption earlier this year.
Hundreds of motorists at the Port of Dover were stuck sitting in lengthy queues that snaked on for miles.
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