Over 23 million car trips are anticipated during the upcoming bank holiday weekend as a result of the combination of anticipated warm weather and the start of the half-term break for numerous schools in England and Wales. With the final round of Premier League matches coinciding with the weekend, motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance.
The AA forecasts Friday to be the busiest day, with approximately 23.4 million journeys expected, followed by 22.8 million on Saturday, and 22.4 million on both Sunday and the bank holiday Monday. Most trips are predicted to be local, with nearly half of respondents in an AA survey planning daily trips of up to 50 miles. Shopping is cited as the primary reason for travel by 40% of drivers, closely followed by visits to family or friends at 39%. A significant portion, 23%, intend to visit DIY stores or garden centers, while 22% anticipate work-related travel.
Separate research by the RAC reveals that 28% of drivers are increasingly concerned about rising fuel costs. The average price of petrol across the UK stands at 158.52p, the highest since December 2022, with diesel priced at 185.92p. This translates to £87 to fill up a family car with unleaded, an increase of £14 from last year, and over £102 for diesel, marking a £26 increase from the previous year.
Lee Morley, an AA expert patrol, emphasized the impact of favorable weather on travel decisions during the bank holiday weekend. He highlighted the potential traffic congestion during the final round of Premier League matches on Sunday, advising drivers to check for delays and allow extra time using the AA Route Planner. Morley also recommended a pre-departure vehicle check following the FLOWER acronym: Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, and Rubber. This quick inspection can help prevent breakdowns, especially when cars are carrying additional passengers, luggage, or pets over long distances.
Given the financial strain of fuel prices, drivers are encouraged to optimize fuel efficiency by comparing prices, reducing unnecessary weight, maintaining proper tire pressure, and driving smoothly. The AA App can assist in locating cheaper fuel along the route, enabling drivers to save money while traveling.
Anticipated congested areas include: [List of likely hotspots].