RAC issues May Day bank holiday traffic warning

Lengthy delays are being predicted on major roads, with an estimated 17 million leisure trips expected over the bank holiday weekend – a million more than last year.

Friday (May 2) is expected to see the largest volume of leisure travellers on major roads with the RAC suggesting as many as three million journeys could be made.

This is just slightly more than the 2.9 million and 2.8 million planned on Saturday (May 3) and bank holiday Monday (May 5) respectively, according to the RAC. 

Sunday (May 4) could be the best day to travel with just 2.4 million trips scheduled, although drivers are planning an additional six million journeys at some point between Friday and Monday. 

Despite the four-day Easter weekend only being two weeks ago, the research shows millions still plan to make the most of the first May bank holiday, with trip numbers up by nearly one million on 2024 (16 million). 

The most popular reason for getting away this weekend – cited by a third of drivers (34%) – is to see family and friends, followed by shopping and running errands (17%) and going on a short break (10%). 

Together with the RAC, Inrix is advising drivers to travel before 10am on Friday if they can, or before 11am or after 3pm if travelling on Saturday, Sunday or the Monday bank holiday. 

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Although the Easter break was just two weeks ago, our figures suggest this weekend will still be hectic on the roads as millions take advantage of another bank holiday. 

“This week’s very warm weather may not last right into the weekend, but with lots of daylight hours there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out and about. 

“For drivers that have a choice, it’s best to avoid Friday evening as that’s when leisure traffic will clash with commuter journeys.” 

Data from transport analytics specialists Inrix, suggests Friday will see the most congestion, with journeys across the UK predicted to be delayed by nearly a third (28%) more than normal. 

The worst of the jams are likely later in the afternoon and into Friday evening. 

Around London, the M25 clockwise from the South Mimms interchange to Essex could be hit by delays of 40 minutes from 4pm as commuter traffic combines with holiday trips. 

Elsewhere, the M5 southbound is expected to see delays of a similar duration from 7pm between the J15 Almondsbury interchange at Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater.