UK drivers are being advised to fill up with petrol or diesel and set off early, as a surge in travel is expected to cause heavy congestion over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. Traffic levels are forecast to reach their highest in years, with millions preparing to take advantage of the long weekend.
A Peak Weekend for Road Travel
According to estimates from the RAC and transport analysts INRIX, around 19 million journeys will take place between May 2 and May 4. Nearly 40% of UK drivers are expected to travel at some point during the extended weekend.
Saturday is predicted to be the busiest day, with more than 4 million trips planned. This level of activity reflects strong demand for short breaks, day trips and family visits, even as fuel prices remain elevated.
Why Timing Matters for Drivers
Traffic experts warn that congestion will build rapidly on Saturday morning. The period between 10am and early afternoon is expected to see the heaviest traffic, prompting advice for motorists to leave before 10am where possible.
Starting journeys earlier in the day could help drivers avoid long delays, especially on routes leading out of major cities and towards popular holiday destinations.
Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Elevated
Fuel prices continue to sit at relatively high levels, with petrol averaging around 157.17p per litre and diesel at approximately 189.23p per litre.
Despite these costs, demand for travel remains strong. Analysts suggest that while prices are a factor for households, they are not preventing large numbers of drivers from taking to the roads during key holiday periods.
Vehicle Checks Before Setting Off
Experts are also encouraging motorists to carry out basic vehicle checks before starting their journeys. Ensuring that oil and coolant levels are correct, tyres are properly inflated and in good condition, and screenwash is topped up can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
Simple checks can make a difference during busy travel periods, when recovery services are likely to face higher demand.
Congestion Hotspots Identified
Several routes are expected to experience particularly heavy traffic. The M5 corridor, especially between Bristol and Taunton, is likely to see significant congestion as drivers head towards Devon and Cornwall.
Other major routes out of urban areas may also face delays, particularly during peak departure times on Saturday.
What This Means for Drivers
For motorists, the combination of heavy traffic and higher fuel costs creates a challenging environment for travel. Planning ahead, including refuelling in advance and choosing departure times carefully, could help reduce disruption.
With millions expected on the roads, early preparation and flexible travel plans may help drivers avoid the worst of the congestion and make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend.
