SUMMER GETAWAY GRIDLOCK
9m vehicles in traffic hell
MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays this weekend as nine million vehicles head off for the big summer getaway.
The RAC predicted a total of 37 million leisure trips will be made over the first two weeks of the school holidays.
Saturday will be the busiest day of the weekend for UK tourist traffic, with 3.4million journeys being made.
But congestion could reach a peak on ® Friday as 2.5million cars making an early dash for a break vie for space with regular commuters.
On Sunday, 2.8million vehicles are expected to be en route to their holiday destinations or making a day trip.
The worst times to travel are expected to be Friday between 1pm and 8pm, Saturday between 11am and 4pm and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.
The figures are based on analysis of the travel plans of 3,176 motorists. RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis warned drivers will face chaos this weekend.
He said: “Long tailbacks are inevitable, particularly in the South West on the M5 which is the main conduit to Devon and Cornwall.”
And he advised drivers to travel early in the morning or late in the evening.
More than 200 sets of roadworks are planned by Highways England on motorways and major A-roads.
The organisation’s chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan, advised drivers to check their vehicles to avoid basic mechanical problems.
Heatwave
He said: “We are urging motorists to make sure they are ready to go on their journeys by checking their fuel, tyres and oil.”
It came as flood warnings were put in place for today.
Forecasters predicted thunderstorms and torrential downpours across heatwave Britain overnight.
The south and east of England, the Midlands and Wales were due to be subjected to the awful weather in the early hours of today while the north will be affected this morning, forecasters said.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said some areas will see between 20mm and 30mm of rainfall in an hour, prompting fears of widespread flooding.