Motorists are being warned to prepare for significant delays during the upcoming Spring Bank Holiday weekend (26th May). Traditionally, one of the busiest times of the year for UK road travel, the late May Bank Holiday combines a surge in leisure journeys with the early summer school half-term getaway, creating a perfect storm for congestion.
With many families heading off on breaks and the promise of warmer weather, key motorways and A-roads are expected to see high volumes of traffic. The RAC is once again predicting more than 20 million trips over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Unique Issues for Spring Bank Holiday Travellers
- The Spring Bank Holiday generally overlaps with school half-term, meaning longer family trips and heavier use of caravans and trailers – both of which slow traffic flow.
- Coastal and rural routes (such as those through Dorset, the Lake District, and the Highlands) see especially sharp volume increases.
- Increased cycling and pedestrian activity around tourist hotspots and national parks can also cause issues for local drivers.
Check Before You Travel
- Visit National Highways’ live road closure updates for the latest on closures and delays.
- For major works or disruptions in and around London, see TFL’s status page: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events
- And check for any local issues by searching ‘local road closures’ on Google or any good search engine!
Helpful Journey Tools
Plan your journey with RAC’s Route Planner – it includes live traffic alerts and handy guidance for avoiding the worst of the queues. It’s always a good idea to check your route on the Waze app or any smart route planner before you set out.
Essential Checks Before You Set Off
Avoid breakdowns by checking your vehicle’s oil, water, tyre pressure and fuel levels in advance. These simple checks help keep traffic moving and prevent your long weekend from starting on the hard shoulder.
If you can be flexible, travelling early morning or later in the evening could make all the difference in journey times and stress levels.
With a bit of planning, you can make the most of the long weekend – and steer clear of the worst of the jams.
Happy Spring Bank Holiday – drive safe and enjoy the sunshine!
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