RAC WARNS OF 14.1 MILLION DRIVERS ON ROADS THIS SUMMER

The RAC estimates that 14.1 million motorists will travel for holidays or day trips between Friday and Sunday, making it the busiest summer getaway in four years. The forecast represents the second-highest volume since the RAC began tracking data in 2016, exceeded only by 18.8 million journeys in 2022 following the easing of Covid restrictions. Saturday is predicted to be the peak travel day, with 3.8 million getaway journeys planned, whilst Friday and Sunday will each see approximately 3.4 million vehicles on the move. A further 6.8 million trips will be distributed across the three-day period, with drivers uncertain of their exact departure date.

The surge coincides with the end of the academic year for most schools in England and Wales, as Scotland and Northern Ireland are already on holiday. The RAC warned that south-west and north-west England will likely experience the most leisure traffic. Transport analytics company Inrix identified specific congestion hotspots, including the M1 southbound between junctions 16 and 6, multiple sections of the M25, the M60 clockwise, and the M4 westbound. Drivers face higher fuel costs, with filling a 55-litre family car costing an additional £8.90 for petrol and £21.20 for diesel compared to a year ago.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando noted that many families are selecting UK holidays over overseas breaks this summer. Hernando advised drivers to plan journeys carefully, considering departure times to avoid congestion, and to prepare for potentially hot weather by carrying water, suncream and shade provisions. She cautioned that travellers should expect delays and anticipate being stuck in traffic during the weekend period.