[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/spring-bank-holiday-travel-warnings\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/spring-bank-holiday-travel-warnings\/","headline":"Spring Bank Holiday Travel Warnings \u2013 Heavy Traffic expected over 26th May Weekend","name":"Spring Bank Holiday Travel Warnings \u2013 Heavy Traffic expected over 26th May Weekend","description":"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 […]","datePublished":"2025-04-30","dateModified":"2025-04-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/alex-georgiou\/#Person","name":"Alex Georgiou","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/alex-georgiou\/","identifier":36,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/369427e1489695bcfae4d89ed1cb6471006b1064f3726e9e87590a1217cec512?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/369427e1489695bcfae4d89ed1cb6471006b1064f3726e9e87590a1217cec512?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/traffic-jam-on-motorway-utc.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/traffic-jam-on-motorway-utc.webp","height":800,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/spring-bank-holiday-travel-warnings\/","about":["LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":376,"keywords":["road traffic"],"articleBody":"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 TravellersThe Spring Bank Holiday generally overlaps with\u00a0school half-term, meaning longer family trips and heavier use of caravans and trailers \u2013 both of which slow traffic flow.Coastal and rural routes\u00a0(such as those through Dorset, the Lake District, and the Highlands) see especially sharp volume increases.Increased cycling and pedestrian activity around\u00a0tourist hotspots and national parks\u00a0can also cause issues for local drivers.Check Before You TravelVisit\u00a0National Highways\u2019 live road closure updates\u00a0for the latest on closures and delays.For major works or disruptions in and around London, see TFL\u2019s status page:\u00a0https:\/\/tfl.gov.uk\/status-updates\/major-works-and-eventsAnd check for any local issues by searching \u2018local road closures\u2019 on Google or any good search engine!Helpful Journey ToolsPlan your journey with RAC\u2019s Route Planner \u2013 it includes live traffic alerts and handy guidance for avoiding the worst of the queues. It\u2019s 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 OffAvoid breakdowns by checking your vehicle\u2019s 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 \u2013 and steer clear of the worst of the jams.Happy Spring Bank Holiday \u2013 drive safe and enjoy the sunshine!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Spring Bank Holiday Travel Warnings \u2013 Heavy Traffic expected over 26th May Weekend","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/spring-bank-holiday-travel-warnings\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]