Bank Holiday Traffic Surge: 20 Million Drivers Expected on UK Roads
UK braces for potential "Monday meltdown" as millions hit the roads for bank holiday travel. Rail disruptions and good weather forecast add to expected congestion on major routes.
The upcoming bank holiday weekend in the UK is expected to bring significant travel challenges, with an estimated 20 million motorists taking to the roads. The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has warned of a potential "Monday meltdown" as travelers return from weekend getaways and others embark on day trips.
Weather forecasts predicting temperatures of 24°C (75°F) on Monday, August 26, 2024, are likely to encourage approximately six million people to take day trips. This influx of travelers, combined with an estimated 13 million returning from weekend breaks, could lead to substantial congestion on major routes.
The RAC anticipates peak congestion during late morning and lunchtime hours on several key motorways:
- M25 around west London
- M3 towards the south coast
- M5 in north Devon
By mid-afternoon, congestion is expected to shift to:
- A23 from Brighton
- A31 from Dorset
- A303 eastbound near Stonehenge
To mitigate travel disruptions, motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully. Simon Williams, an RAC spokesperson, recommends, "Aim to finish your journey by 10am, or start after 7pm, if you want to avoid the worst jams."
Adding to the travel complications, rail networks will be undergoing significant engineering works throughout the bank holiday weekend. National Rail has announced disruptions on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and West Coast Main Line (WCML) from August 24 to 26, 2024. These works are part of ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the HS2 project.
"No long-distance services will run to or from King's Cross from the early evening of Saturday 24th August until early morning on Monday 26th August as work takes place as part of the East Coast Digital Programme and maintenance is carried out between Biggleswade and Fletton/Potters Bar."
Airports are also bracing for their busiest weekend of the year, with an estimated two million Britons returning from abroad. The Port of Dover expects over 20,000 cars to pass through its harbor over the weekend, with potential delays due to ongoing preparations for new EU entry regulations.
As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe concludes its 25-day run on August 25, 2024, travelers from Scotland may contribute to the overall congestion. The festival, known as the world's largest arts event, typically attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom will be returning home at the end of the bank holiday weekend.
Amidst these travel challenges, it's worth noting that the UK's road network has faced similar pressures in the past. The M25, for instance, spans 117 miles around Greater London and is no stranger to heavy traffic. Similarly, the M3's 59-mile stretch to the south coast and the M5's 163-mile route to Exeter often experience congestion during peak travel periods.
As millions of Britons prepare to navigate this complex travel landscape, planning ahead and staying informed about potential disruptions will be crucial for a smoother journey during the last bank holiday of the summer.
