Roadworks will jam up the summer hols getaway

DRIVERS can expect major jams this weekend as the school holidays get under way.

An estimated 8.7million people will take to the roads from Friday through to Monday. They face more than 200 sets of roadworks on motorways and other major routes.

The RAC expects Saturday to be the peak day for travel in a busy period running from Friday to August 6. ‘This weekend will bring unwelcome customary chaos to Britain’s major roads as people flock to take advantage of the first week or two of the summer holidays on home soil,’ said Rod Dennis of the motoring group.

‘While not as busy as Easter, which is typically the pinnacle of leisure traffic due to it being the first break for several months, the great British summer holiday getaway begins with an initial rush for the roads this weekend.

‘Major tourist routes will remain steadily busy through the rest of the six weeks.’

Likely hotspots include the M5 at the Almondsbury interchange and from Bristol to Taunton as well as the A30 and A38 from Exeter to Cornwall.

The M4 between Cardiff and Swansea is also expected to be busy along with routes to the south coast of England.

‘Steadily busy for weeks’