Drivers have been warned that they face heavy congestion across the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The AA issued the warning as nearly 80 million people are expected to make journeys between Friday and Monday, leading the organisation to issue an amber warning.
According to an AA study, 20 million journeys will be made on Friday 23 May, over 19.5 million on Saturday 24 May and just shy of that figure on Sunday 25 May and Monday 26 May. With half of the journeys expected to be under miles in duration, the organisation has warned that congestion will be localised around local attractions and retail parks. Shaun Jones, from the AA, said: “With the upcoming bank holiday, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic.
“We also encourage drivers taking longer journeys to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep everyone refreshed.
“By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant travel experience during the bank holiday weekend.
“Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Let’s make sure we all get there safely and enjoy the time with our loved ones.”
Traffic across the country could be made worse by poor weather expected in large parts over the course of the weekend.
According to the Met Office, the nation is set for a wet weather front to sweep in from the Atlantic Ocean, bringing rain and windy conditions.
Deputy Chief meteorologist David Oliver explains: “We’ll see a change in conditions this weekend as weather systems move in from the Atlantic.
“These will bring rain and windier conditions from the west later Friday, which will spread across the whole of the UK on Saturday.
“Some heavy rain is expected, especially in the northwest later on Saturday when winds will also strengthen, bringing a risk of coastal gales in the north.
“These strong winds will continue on Sunday as an area of low pressure passes the northwest of the UK.
“Blustery showers are expected on Sunday, which will be heaviest and most frequent in the northwest. Conversely, the south and southeast may well see a good deal of dry weather.
“Wind will be a watchpoint for Sunday, especially across Scotland where there is some uncertainty on the exact track of the low and its associated wind speeds, so keep up-to-date with the forecast as it evolves over the coming days.”
This unsettled regime continues on Monday, with a mixture of bright spells and blustery showers.
The showers could be heavy and thundery in places, especially in parts of the northwest. Temperatures look to be near or a little below average, feeling rather cool compared to recent weeks.
The start of the bank holiday has already seen extreme traffic in some parts of the country, with Dover one of the worst affected areas.
Images from Kent show large tailbacks as vehicles queue for the Port of Dover along the A20, as they bid to travel across the Channel and into mainland Europe ahead of next weeks half-term holidays.
