Half of all drivers in the UK are planning to hit the road this bank holiday weekend to make the most of the last of the summer sun.
According to research from the AA, 45 per cent of motorists are expected to go on a long car journey between August 26th and 29th, equating to almost 15 million road trips.
As a result, the AA route planner has given an Amber Traffic Warning over the three days, with the busiest times predicted to be Saturday August 27th between 1000 and 1600.
Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said lots of families are getting away this weekend to “make the most of the warm weather and have a last hurrah before the new school year”.
There are also a lot of events and festivals taking place across the country, some for the first time since 2019, which will cause localised congestion particularly during closing times at large venues.
He advised drivers to leave plenty of time for their journey, especially during Saturday and from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning.
Mr Sidley also suggested those heading to natural beauty spots and coastal areas to plan their journey thoroughly, as they will be among the busiest routes.
Additionally, the Met Office recommended vehicle checks before a long journey, including taking a look at oil and coolant levels, detecting battery problems, topping up fuel, filling up windscreen washer fluid, and ascertaining the condition of their vehicle’s tyres. Warning lights should be checked to see if they operate correctly, while it is also a good idea to get fan belts looked at by a garage.
Any cracks in the windscreen should also be checked to see if a new windscreen is needed.
