RAC reports that drivers should expect severe delays as holiday motorists join the usual commuters on the roads
Holidaymakers are finally out to play, and this evening is going to be a chaotic mess as the RAC predicts 2.6 million summer break holidayers will be battling it out with commuters making their way home.
The RAC is predicting this weekend to be the ‘Black Friday’ of the roads – a term typically used to describe the day when French autoroutes descend into gridlock with summer holiday traffic. Families will be jetting off on holiday when the school bell rings today; add commuter traffic, and the expected heat wave coing the UK’s way next week, and you are looking at a nightmare for motorists to contend with.
RAC data shows that Saturday will see even more UK residents on the road, with about 2.9 million hopping behind the wheel ready to drive and go. Fortunately drivers are expected to stagger their travels throughout the day on Saturday with a hope that many motorists will escape endless queues.
In total, the RAC estimates some 7.5 million motorists will be packing their cases and setting off to enjoy a break between Friday 17 and Sunday 19 July.
Only 44 per cent of car owners are not planning a UK summer break by car, with means that the higher 66 per cent are ready to hit the road and find that summer sun.
The RAC’s head of external affairs, Pete Williams, said: “Our data shows that summer holiday traffic is going to be concentrated on our roads this coming weekend, causing gridlock and delays for many on the busiest ‘getaway’ routes. We’re expecting ‘Black Friday’ to be particularly hectic, as the majority of families will be squeezing their journeys into the end of the day.”
The RAC is strongly advising those looking to travel over the weekend to set their alarms very early on Saturday and Sunday morning in order to try to avoid the hustle and bustle of on the tarmac and is also warning that the usual coast-bound routes including the M5, A30, and A303 south and west into Devon, the M6 (both southbound, and northbound towards the Lake District), and the M1 are predicted to see delays and lots of traffic jams.
Britain’s seaport routes are not looking too favourable either, as they will be subject to delays as French port workers look set to continue to strike.
Of the imminent heatwave predicted for next week, Williams continued: “The latest weather forecasts suggest a pretty changeable start to the school holidays. So while overheating engines and air conditioning might be less of a problem than in previous years, it still pays for motorists to do a quick check of their car before setting out. It takes minutes, but could save hours of stress at the side of the road.
“Check coolant, oil and washer fluid levels are properly topped up, and tyres are at the correct pressure with plenty of tread. If you are hooking up your caravan for the first time in a while then pay special attention to the condition of the tyres, as they can deteriorate if they haven’t been used for a while.
“Make sure you don’t overload your vehicle, and give a passenger a spare set of keys: there’s no quicker way to spoil the start of a family holiday than having them locked in the boot.” Williams continued.
The worst travel times RAC is anticipating are Friday 17 July between 4 pm and 9 pm, and Saturday 18 July between 9 am and 4 pm.
Motorists may want to have a second route in mind, so don’t forget to check for the latest roadworks via Traffic England, Traffic Scotland, and Traffic Wales.
Stay safe out there, and of course everyone at CaravanTimes wishes you a happy holiday!
