Drivers face holiday chaos

NINE million of us are set to swamp roads, airports and railway stations today.

While more than 7m people will spend the bank holiday in the UK, triggering a £1.7billion boost to the economy, another 2.1m will jet abroad for sunshine breaks.

The RAC warned almost 20m extra cars will clog roads over the three-day weekend.

Rod Dennis, from the breakdown organisation, said: “Be prepared for a busy time on the roads and make sure you plan your journey and consider alternative routes.”

Railway passengers also face misery with £133m of engineering works – the biggest ever to take place over a bank holiday – under way.

Spain, Turkey and Greece are the top destinations for sunseekers, says travel group Abta, as the UK faces a washout.

The north is in for a soaking with temperatures struggling to reach 19C. But the south is ® expected to stay dry and sunny, with the mercury reaching 25C.

The Met Office said the south could be enjoying the sizzler by Monday but warned of further disappointment for the north.

Forecaster Emma Sharples said: “A deep Atlantic low pressure area will approach into Monday.

“It is forecast to bring increasing wind strength and persistent rain to Scotland, with showers pushing south to northern England and reaching the Midlands by 5pm Monday.”

Fantastic

But tourism chiefs are rubbing their hands with glee as several million Brits are opting to brave the showers and stay closer to home.

Tourism Minister John Glen said: “Tourism is a key economic driver and job creator and we want every part of the UK to benefit. It is fantastic that so many people are planning a holiday at home this weekend.”

The number of so-called “staycationers” is up by almost 2m compared to the 5.1m who took trips within the UK over last year’s August Bank Holiday.

Patricia Yates, from VisitEngland, said: “Record numbers of Brits have been taking holidays at home.

“It’s great to see so many of us are planning a trip this long weekend.”

Brits heading to the Continent were warned they face being ripped off by airport money exchanges offering just 87 euro cents to the pound.

James Daley, of consumer website Fairer Finance, said: “Holidaymakers need to get savvier and avoid the airport bureaux at all costs.

“Buying in advance will get travellers a much better rate.”