The RAC has warned of a 'summer scramble' as an estimated 14.1 million motorists take to UK roads between Friday and Sunday, marking the busiest weekend since 2022. Saturday is expected to be the most congested day, with 3.8 million drivers embarking on day trips or holidays. Friday and Sunday are each predicted to see 3.4 million trips, while an additional 6.8 million journeys are spread across the three days for those uncertain of their departure date.
Second-highest weekend since tracking began
This weekend's numbers are the second-highest since data collection started in 2016, surpassed only by the 18.8 million recorded in 2022 when COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. The surge comes as most students in England and Wales finish for the six-week summer break, while schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland are already on holiday.
Staycations have grown in popularity in recent years, with the south-west and north-west of England expected to see the most leisure traffic. Transport analytics company Inrix identified several 'congestion hotspots', including the M1 southbound from Northampton (junction 16) to Watford (junction 6), the M25 clockwise from Junction 15 (the M4) to Junction 19 (Watford), and the M25 anticlockwise from Junction 17 (Maple Cross) to Junction 12 (the M3).
RAC and Port of Dover advice
RAC spokesperson Harriet Hernando advised drivers to 'plan their journeys, thinking about setting off earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic jams'. She added: 'People should prepare for delays and getting stuck in a jam in potentially very hot weather,' urging travellers to 'carry plenty of water, as well as sun cream, and an umbrella to provide shade'.
The Port of Dover reported approximately 7,500 outbound cars on Friday and 10,000 on Saturday. A statement issued on Saturday afternoon read: 'Traffic remains steady, with an approximate 32-minute wait time in the buffer zone. All operators currently have queues building at their check-ins, while the port approaches remain clear and traffic is flowing well. Safe travels!' Ferry passengers were advised not to arrive earlier than two hours before departure, with wait times reaching one hour on Friday.
New EU border checks not fully operational
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister expressed disappointment that a new Entry/Exit System (EES) processing facility, built as part of a £40 million investment, was not being used for cars because the technology had not been activated. During the May half-term, the port declared a 'critical incident' when waiting times soared to four-and-a-half hours, with around 8,500 outbound vehicles.
EES was rolled out fully in April, requiring passengers to have fingerprints registered and photographs taken to enter the Schengen Area. The system applies to non-EU travellers at foreign airports, the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal, and London St Pancras railway station. The automated IT system aims to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries by registering travellers each time they cross a border.
