UK drivers face major bank holiday traffic congestion forecast

Millions of drivers across the UK are being warned to expect significant traffic congestion this bank holiday weekend as a combination of warm weather, school holidays, and major sporting events prompts a mass getaway. Motoring organizations are forecasting between 19 and 23 million leisure journeys by car from Friday through Monday, with Friday and Saturday anticipated to be the busiest days.

The RAC estimates 19 million leisure trips will occur, an increase of one million from last year's spring bank holiday, with 3.8 million journeys planned for both Friday and Saturday. The AA predicts an even higher volume, forecasting 23.4 million car journeys on Friday alone. Transport analytics company Inrix identified the M1, M5, M6, and M25 as likely hotspots for the worst jams.

Specific trouble spots include the M25 anticlockwise between junctions 10 and 6, where the heaviest traffic is expected around 4:45 p.m. on Friday. The same stretch is predicted to see a second spike at lunchtime on Saturday, with journey times more than double the norm. On Saturday midday, queues of 45 minutes are expected on the M5 southbound from Junction 16 near Bristol to Junction 23 for Bridgwater.