Expect chaos on the roads this Bank Holiday: forecasts predict heavy jams on motorways and near airports as millions of leisure trips are scheduled across the long weekend. Transport bodies and motoring groups warn drivers to plan ahead, check their cars and expect long delays on key routes in the South West, South East and North West.
How many people will be travelling and when to expect crowds
Analysts estimate roughly 17.6 million leisure trips over the August Bank Holiday period. Travel volumes rise sharply on the busiest days.
- Friday sees around 3 million journeys planned.
- Saturday increases to roughly 3.4 million trips.
- Sunday and Monday are quieter but still busy, at about 2.4 million and 2.7 million journeys.
- An extra 6.1 million motorists will travel at various points over the extended weekend.
These figures fall short of last year’s record, but still represent one of the busiest long weekends since 2020.
Motorway trouble spots: where delays are expected
Traffic modelling points to several stretches likely to suffer the worst hold-ups. Expect slow-moving queues and long delays on routes serving coastal areas and airports.
M5 – heavy impact in the South West
- The M5 corridor between Bristol and Devon is flagged as the most affected.
- Sections between Junction 15 (north of Bristol) and Junction 23 (Bridgwater) could see delays in excess of 40 minutes on Friday and Saturday.
M20 – Kent routes under pressure
- The M20 is likely to face afternoon peaks with delays over 30 minutes both ways on Friday.
- Drivers should watch westbound traffic from Junction 7 near Maidstone to Junction 3.
- Eastbound congestion is expected from Junction 1 at Swanley through to Junction 5 at Aylesford.
M6, M56 and festival-related pinch points
- The M56 and the M6 around Cheshire will experience extra volumes because of a major music festival at Daresbury Estate.
- Junction 11 of the M56 is forecast to be particularly busy as festival attendees arrive and depart.
Best times to travel to avoid the worst queues
Traffic authorities set out likely peak windows and practical guidance for drivers who can shift their plans.
- Friday peak: about 10:00–19:00.
- Saturday peak: around 09:00–17:00.
- Monday peak: roughly 11:00–18:00.
For lighter traffic, consider travelling after 19:00 on Friday, before 09:00 on Saturday or before 11:00 on Monday.
Festival travel and motorway safety concerns
Large events change local traffic patterns and create safety risks. One festival is expected to attract a very large crowd this weekend.
- Organisers predict up to 70,000 attendees at the Daresbury Estate site near Runcorn.
- That influx will focus activity around M56 Junction 11 and nearby M6 links.
- Authorities will deploy extra police and traffic officers to manage flows and deter dangerous behaviour.
National Highways stresses motorways are not safe places for pedestrians. People walking on the carriageway or stopping on hard shoulders can trigger delays and face fines.
Practical checks and RAC advice to reduce breakdown risk
Breakdowns will add to congestion. Motoring groups urge drivers to do basic checks before setting off.
- Check oil and coolant levels.
- Inspect tyres for damage, correct pressure and legal tread depth.
- Top up essentials and secure loose luggage.
RAC teams predict a rise in callouts, especially if warm weather encourages last-minute day trips to beaches and attractions.
How authorities will manage traffic and keep drivers informed
Road managers will use live message signs and patrols to guide drivers and warn of incidents.
- Electronic signage on the M6, M56 and M62 will display advance traffic updates.
- Regional operations centres will coordinate messaging to alert drivers to congestion.
- Police and traffic officers will be present at key junctions to control crowds and direct arrivals.
National Highways recommends checking traffic reports before departure and watching motorway variable message signs while en route.
What motorists picking up festival-goers should know
Officials ask anyone collecting passengers to avoid stopping on motorways and to use designated pick-up points.
- Stopping on or near slip roads and hard shoulders can be dangerous.
- Using official collection zones reduces disruption for all road users.
- Failure to comply may result in penalties or fines where laws are breached.
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