Motorists are preparing for what is expected to be the busiest early May bank holiday weekend on the roads in ten years, with an estimated 19 million leisure trips planned by car. The RAC projects this figure, which is only slightly below the record 20 million journeys forecast for the same period in 2016.
Travel Plans Despite Rising Fuel Costs
A survey of 2,218 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC found that 39% intend to take a day trip or overnight break during the four-day weekend. This surge in travel comes despite a significant increase in fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict that began on 28 February. Compared to a year ago, filling a typical 55-litre family car costs £13 more for petrol and £27 more for diesel.
Peak Traffic Times and Locations
Saturday is expected to be the busiest day for leisure traffic, with over four million journeys predicted. The RAC warns that the worst congestion will likely occur between 10am and lunchtime, with the M5 from Bristol to Taunton identified as a potential hotspot for those heading to Devon and Cornwall. Friday is also anticipated to be "hectic," as approximately 3.7 million getaway drivers share the roads with regular commuters.
Around three million leisure trips are planned for both Sunday and Monday, while an additional five million people intend to travel sometime between Friday and Monday but have not yet decided on a specific day.
Among the 61% of UK drivers not planning a leisure trip over the long weekend, only 6% cited the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs as the reason.
"Even though fuel prices are uncomfortably high, it clearly takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a bank holiday weekend," said Sean Kimberlin, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader. "The fact it’s set to be the busiest early May bank holiday in 10 years shows just how much we depend on our cars."
Vehicle Checks Advised
Kimberlin urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are "up to the task" by checking tyre pressure and tread, as well as levels of oil, coolant, and screen wash before setting off.
Rail Disruptions
Network Rail stated that the "vast majority" of Britain’s railway network will operate as usual over the long weekend, but there are "some notable exceptions" due to engineering work.
Liverpool Lime Street station will be closed all day on Sunday and until noon on Monday. The East Coast Main Line will be shut between York and Darlington for three days from Saturday. London’s Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will be closed over the same period, with Cannon Street also shut on Sunday. Other significant engineering works will affect services at London’s Euston station, Bath Spa, Huddersfield, and the Ely area in Cambridgeshire.
"There is no right way to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services," said Anit Chandarana, a group director for Network Rail. "Those extra days with fewer travellers give us an opportunity to do longer projects that we couldn’t do in a normal two-day weekend or overnight. So while most of our railway is open as usual over the bank holidays this May, there are some major exceptions. I’d advise everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel."
The RAC commissioned research company FindOutNow to survey 2,218 UK drivers about their bank holiday travel plans between 22-23 April. Getaway totals were estimated by extrapolating the results based on 34.5 million cars licensed in the UK.
