Heavy traffic expected as RAC predicts busiest bank holiday for motorists in years | Transport
Motorists have been told to expect the UK’s busiest May holiday traffic in years, despite high fuel prices and the looming end of sunny weather that threatens to dampen the long weekend.
According to research by the RAC motoring organisation, more than 19 million leisure trips by car were expected over the long weekend from Friday to Monday; This is the highest figure since 2016. Engineering works are also expected to disrupt rail travel this weekend.
Almost 40 percent of drivers surveyed are planning an overnight stop or day trip, with only 6 percent saying they are deterred by the increase in pump prices since the start of hostilities in the Middle East.
Early getaways on Friday will be met with commuter traffic and school runs, although the RAC has identified late Saturday morning as the busiest time for cars on the roads.
The M5 motorway from Bristol to Taunton has been highlighted as a potential congestion issue as motorists head towards Devon and Cornwall; although after a week of sunny weather across much of the UK, we can now see many plans changing as traditional bank holiday weather turns to heavy rain.
Meanwhile, engineering work on the railway will mean longer journeys and replacement buses for passengers across the country, including on the main line from London to Edinburgh, as well as Liverpool and Bath.
Network Rail said the “vast majority” of Britain’s rail network will be open as usual but with “some significant exceptions” for works.
The east coast main line will be closed between York and Darlington for three days from Saturday, adding hours to journeys between the capital and Edinburgh or Newcastle.
Ending the line at London Euston will mean slightly fewer and slower services to cities in the Midlands and north over the weekend.
Liverpool’s Lime Street station will be closed all day Sunday and until midday on Monday.
London’s Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will also be closed during the same period.
Works around Bath Spa, Huddersfield and Ely will also disrupt journeys.
Network Rail group director Anit Chandarana said: “There is no right way to do big business on our railway, but public holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services.
“I recommend everyone plan ahead and check before traveling.”
