As the August bank holiday approaches, the UK’s roads and ferry crossings to France are poised for unprecedented congestion, with millions of leisure journeys expected across the long weekend. The RAC forecasts that 19.2 million trips will be undertaken by car, reflecting a ten-year high in traffic volume.
Short Summary:
- Estimated 19.2 million leisure journeys by car over the bank holiday weekend.
- Saturday will be the biggest day with nearly 4 million road trips.
- Port of Dover anticipates over 20,000 cars, warning of longer wait times due to processing changes.
As this is the last hurrah before the kids go back to school the August bank holiday is as usual going to be awful for road traffic.
As everyone and his dog load up the Volvo and hits the road expect delays. Whether it’s day trips, music festivals, or a holiday.
The RAC, the UK’s leading breakdown service, predicts a staggering 19.2 million leisure journeys by car between Friday, August 23, and Monday, August 26. This figure represents the highest level of traffic recorded since the RAC began tracking such data in 2015.
According to their forecast, Saturday, August 24, will be particularly congested, with an estimated 3.7 million people leaving for short trips, ahead of the 3.2 million on Friday and the 3.1 million planned for Sunday.
Alice Simpson, a spokesperson for the RAC, cautioned, “Whether you’re off to a festival, the coast, or to meet family and friends, our usual advice applies: leave early to avoid the traffic or be prepared for potential long waits.”
This surge in travel comes as many take advantage of the last few days of summer, despite the ongoing absence of overseas tourists, whose numbers remain estimated at 5% below pre-pandemic levels.
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) noted that total visitors to the UK have risen this year but they’re spending less in real terms, leading to a £2.8 billion gap in tourist expenditures compared to 2019. This shortfall can be attributed to various factors, including the post-Brexit landscape, the cessation of tax-free shopping for visitors, and concerns regarding safety following recent civil unrest in several British cities.
Nevertheless, the Port of Dover anticipates a busy weekend, expecting over 20,000 cars for both incoming and outgoing journeys. Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, highlighted that ongoing preparations for a new EU entry and exit system set to launch in November could result in longer wait times at pre-border processing areas. He advised travelers not to arrive earlier than two hours before their sailing time to mitigate delays. “Rest assured, you will embark on the next available sailing,” Bannister reassured travelers.
National Highways is actively engaged in mitigating congestion, announcing the temporary lifting of over 500 miles of roadworks throughout the bank holiday period, allowing nearly 97% of roads to be unobstructed for travel.
Dale Hipkiss, the national network manager at National Highways, reiterated the importance of travelers checking traffic conditions prior to their journeys: “We expect the roads to be busier than usual, particularly with families heading to seaside resorts, airports, and major festivals.”
As festival enthusiasts set out for events such as Reading and Leeds music festivals along with Creamfields, travel analytics provider Inrix forecasts significant delays on key routes.
On Friday, the worst congestion is expected between 10 A.M. and 6 P.M., with similar patterns on Saturday when traffic will be particularly dense around the festival access points.
Inrix reported, “Traffic to Leeds Festival is predicted to create severe delays along major arteries including the A1, A1(M), M1, M62, and A64.”
Motorists are urged to plan their departures with care, as those traveling to the Leeds Festival should avoid key junctions on those routes, including the A1 southbound between Kirk Deighton and Bramham interchanges, as journeys could take twice as long during peak times.
Moreover, railway travel is anticipated to experience significant disruptions, especially for those returning from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Network Rail has planned engineering work affecting three intercity lines serving London, which may impact thousands of travelers.
Passengers should be aware that due to track maintenance long-distance services will be severely restricted over the holiday weekend.
Travelers planning to fly during the holiday will also contend with heavy airport traffic, with a significant rush expected at terminals. The August bank holiday traditionally marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and industry players hope to avoid last year’s challenges when air traffic control issues caused widespread flight disruptions.
“This weekend, we project more than two million travelers heading overseas, with Friday expected to be the peak day for departures,” explained transport authority representatives.
Popular international destinations continue to include sun-soaked locales in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey, alongside urban escapes to cities like Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris, and Milan.
With these travel patterns, the CAA has launched initiatives aimed at educating passengers on their rights regarding delayed or canceled flights, striving to facilitate smoother travel experiences.
Returning to roads, it’s essential for those commuting to remain vigilant and patient throughout the holiday period. National Authorities recommend that drivers utilize dedicated traffic signs rather than relying solely on GPS systems, particularly as many navigate to rural festivals or coastal destinations.
In summary, Britain’s roads are set to see a level of traffic that hasn’t been witnessed for nearly a decade as families and festival-goers embark on outings over the August bank holiday weekend.
With thoughtful preparation, travelers can optimize their journeys while contributing to the festive spirit that characterizes this time of year.
For those looking to make the most of their travels and explore delightful destinations, consider car trips through picturesque routes in Switzerland and check out the best places to visit in this stunning region here.
