Get set for worst Bank Holiday traffic in 4 years

FAMILIES planning to get away for half term face the worst May bank holiday traffic for four years.

Millions of travellers are set to make the most of the sunny weather, as temperatures may hit 30C (86F) in some parts of the country.

With schools also breaking up on Friday, sixteen and a half million journeys are expected – up one million on last year and the highest number since 2013.

Traffic will be ‘ bumper to bumper’ on some of the country’s most popular routes, according to motoring group the RAC, which compiled the analysis.

Friday is expected to be the most hectic as families trying to get away early for the weekend merge with commuter traffic to clog up the roads.

But Bank Holiday Monday is when leisure traffic is set to peak at nearly five million journeys.

Traffic hotspots are predicted to include the A303 between Andover and Ilminster, the A30 and A38 from Exeter to Cornwall, the M4 between Cardiff and Swansea, the M25 between Gatwick and the M1, the M5 between Avonmouth and Taunton and the A23/M23 to Brighton.

The RAC’s traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘While we’re expecting leisure journeys to reach a peak on bank holiday Monday – families setting off for a half term trip or taking a day trip to the coast – drivers should be warned that the roads are likely to see significant congestion on Friday 26th May as getaway traffic and everyday commuter traffic combines.

‘ We’re expecting it to be bumper-to-bumper from Friday lunchtime onwards on some of the country’s most popular routes.’

The RAC urged motorists to do some basic checks on their vehicle before heading off to reduce their chance of breaking down. In a bid to ease congestion, Highways England has announced it is lifting more than 300 miles of roadworks.

This means almost 98 per cent of motorways and strategic A roads will be roadworks-free over the bank holiday.

But there will still be 164 miles of road works across the country, including 26 miles on the A1 near Leeming, 20 miles on the M6 near Crewe and 16.25 miles on the M3 near Farnborough and Camberley.

Network Rail is also urging passengers to check their travel plans in advance as it prepares to carry out a major programme of engineering works over the Bank Holiday weekend.

This includes no Southeastern trains between London Charing Cross and London Bridge.

There will be reduced services to and from London Paddington and Slough stations.

There could also be continued disruption in and around Manchester following the terror attack, with Victoria Station and town centre roads remaining closed until further notice.

‘Bumper to bumper’