Drivers have been warned to expect the UK's busiest May bank holiday traffic in years, despite high fuel prices and gloomy weather forecasts. The RAC motoring organisation predicts over 19 million leisure trips by car from Friday to Monday, the highest since 2016.
Road Congestion and Peak Times
Almost 40% of surveyed drivers plan an overnight break or day trip, with only 6% deterred by rising fuel prices. Friday will see early getaways mixing with commuter traffic and school runs, but the RAC identifies late Saturday morning as the peak period for road congestion. The M5 from Bristol to Taunton is highlighted as a likely blackspot as drivers head to Devon and Cornwall. However, the forecast change from sunshine to heavy rain may alter many plans.
Rail Disruptions
Engineering works on the railway will cause longer journeys and replacement bus services across the country. The east coast mainline will be closed between York and Darlington from Saturday for three days, adding hours to trips between London and Edinburgh or Newcastle. Services from London Euston to the Midlands and the north will be reduced and slower. Liverpool Lime Street station will be closed all day Sunday and until noon Monday. London's Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will also shut during the same period. Works near Bath Spa, Huddersfield, and Ely will further disrupt journeys.
Anit Chandarana, a group director for Network Rail, advised passengers to plan ahead and check before traveling, noting that bank holidays are among the least busy times for passenger numbers and freight services.
