Heavy traffic expected as RAC predicts busiest bank holiday for motorists in years

Drivers have been told to expect the UK’s busiest May bank holiday traffic in years, despite high fuel prices and the looming end of the sunny spell threatening to dampen the long weekend.

More than 19m leisure trips by car were expected over the long weekend from Friday to Monday, according to research by the RAC motoring organisation – the most since 2016. Engineering works are also likely to disrupt rail journeys this weekend.

Almost 40% of drivers surveyed were planning an overnight break or day trip, with only 6% saying they were deterred by the surge in pump prices since the start of the hostilities in the Middle East.

Friday will see early getaways meeting commuter traffic and school runs, although the RAC has pinpointed late Saturday morning as the peak time for cars on the roads.

It highlighted the M5 from Bristol to Taunton as a likely congestion black spot as drivers head to Devon and Cornwall – although the traditional bank holiday change in weather to heavy rain, after a week of sunshine over much of the UK, could now see many plans change.

Meanwhile, engineering works on the railway will mean longer journeys and replacement buses for passengers around the country, including on the mainline from London to Edinburgh, as well as Liverpool and Bath.

Network Rail said the “vast majority” of Britain’s railway network will be open as usual but with “some notable exceptions” for works.

The east coast mainline will be shut between York and Darlington for three days from Saturday, adding hours to journeys between the capital and Edinburgh or Newcastle.

Works on the line running out of London Euston will mean slightly fewer and slower services to cities in the Midlands and the north over the weekend.

Liverpool’s Lime Street station will be closed all day on Sunday and until noon on Monday.

London’s Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will also be closed for the same period.

Work around Bath Spa, Huddersfield and Ely will also disrupt journeys.

Anit Chandarana, a group director for Network Rail, said: “There is no right way to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services.

“I’d advise everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel.”