Friday is expected to be the busiest day this weekend, with up to 3.2 million journeys expected on the roads alongside commuters. A further 3.6 million journeys are expected on Saturday, followed by 2.9 million on Sunday.
Another four million trips are expected between Friday and Sunday.
Alice Simpson, from the RAC, said: “Our research suggests this year’s holiday season is set to be busier than average. This is likely because inflation in the UK has slowed and people are feeling more confident about spending.
“However, with recent poor weather conditions causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues at major airports should not be taken lightly.”
If you’re hitting the road this weekend, here’s everything you need to know…
Which highways are most harmful to traffic?
Data provided to the RAC by transport analytics software developer Inrix shows the following areas are likely to experience congestion over the weekend:
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Delays at Chiswell Junction southbound from St Albans to Gatwick Airport
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The eastbound A303 between Ilminster and Andover, heading towards Southampton and Portsmouth (for ferries to the Isle of Wight)
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When driving towards Devon and Cornwall, drivers will find the M5 southbound at J15 (the junction of the M4 and M5 near Bristol) and J23 heading towards Bridgwater.
Drivers were also advised to allow extra time if travelling to airports or the Port of Dover via the M25. National Highways has a useful page giving live traffic updates.
When is the best time to leave home?
The worst time to set off is mid-afternoon (between 10am and 2pm), and the best time to set off is after 5pm.
“If you can’t really get going early, you’re probably going to be stuck in traffic for a long time,” Simpson says.
Frank Bird, senior network planner at National Highways, says: “When I travel to see the public in Scotland, I set off at 4.45am, so I get from Birmingham to the border at 8am. Then [I take a] We’ll take a 20-minute break and then set off again – then we’ll head to Arbroath at 11.30am and have a fish supper in the harbour at lunchtime.”
How much do I have to pay for gas?
According to Confused.com, the average cost of petrol on 26 July 2024 is 144.9p. The lowest price is 100.9p and the highest price is 172.9p. The average price for diesel is 150p, the lowest price is 105.9p and the highest price is 181.9p. Keep these figures in mind when choosing your petrol station.
Motorway service stations tend to charge high fees: Cobham on the M25 and Tibshelf between junctions 28 and 29 on the M1 are often among the most expensive.
National Highways always recommends topping up when you reach a quarter of the tank. “It’s not worth the risk or expense of ruining your holiday,” it advises.
Which navigation app should I use?
Google Maps and Waze are both owned by Google, but they are different products and operate differently. Waze uses clever rerouting tactics to help drivers get to their destinations as quickly as possible. However, this can sometimes lead to you being redirected to detailed directions just to shave a minute or two off your journey. Google Maps also reroutes to avoid heavy traffic, but it leaves the decision in your hands.
The main difference between the two is that Waze relies on active users on the road at the moment to visualise traffic conditions, while Google Maps uses traffic sensors to estimate the quickest route by examining historical data. Both alert you to local traffic updates and road hazards, but Waze tends to have more speed camera alerts on major roads. One drawback for Waze users is that it’s less effective when driving in remote areas with light traffic, but that shouldn’t be a problem in Britain this weekend.
Apple Maps, which is only available to iPhone users, is a similar product to Google Maps, but due to differences in how the two companies handle user data, Google has a greater ability to provide real-time traffic updates in a way that Apple cannot.
Bird says that if you use in-car sat nav, it’s worth making sure it’s up to date. He also recommends listening to traffic and travel updates on the radio while you’re on the road.
What engine checks should I have done?
The AA’s Chris Wood says: “Take 10 minutes to check your oil, coolant and windscreen washer levels. It’s also important to make sure you have plenty of fuel and/or an electric charge, and that all your lights are working.”
The RAC has a useful page with videos explaining how to carry out these checks.
“Check tyre pressures – do this when the tyres are cold and don’t forget to check the tread and the spare tyre if your car has one,” adds Wood.
“If you are driving in the rain, try to stay away from standing water where it is safe to do so. This can cover up any potholes or dislodged inspection covers that may be hidden below the surface.”
The AA also recommends its members download the What3words app before travelling as it is the easiest way to identify a precise location by pinpointing your location from a distance of 3 metres.
Simpson added: “It is a huge concern that one in 10 drivers on holiday at home will arrive at their destination knowing there is a problem with their car. This means that more than 2.7 million drivers this week will be behind the wheel of a faulty vehicle – a truly frightening statistic that could lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a crash.”