Motorists have been advised to prepare for significant delays as millions of Britons gear up for the bank holiday weekend.
The RAC believes approximately 19 million leisure trips by road will take place from Friday through Monday, representing an increase of one million compared to the same period last year.
This bank holiday weekend is anticipated to be the most congested late May break since 2024.
Sean Kimberlin, who leads the RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs division, explained that with potentially favourable weather conditions, many families are arranging getaways for the extended weekend.
He noted that research indicating this will be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 demonstrates that despite fuel costs remaining elevated, drivers are determined to maximise opportunities for a long weekend excursion.
Peak congestion is predicted for Friday and Saturday, each day seeing roughly 3.8 million vehicle journeys.
Sunday is projected to see 3.4 million trips, with 3.1 million on Monday.
An additional 3.4 million travellers intend to journey between Friday and Monday but have not yet finalised their departure times.
Despite escalating fuel costs, which have risen by 26p per litre for petrol and 44p per litre for diesel since the end of February, 39 percent of British drivers still plan to use major routes.
Transport analytics firm Inrix has cautioned motorists to anticipate considerable hold-ups on the M1, M5, M6 and M25 motorways.
Friday is expected to see the worst conditions on the M25 in the anticlockwise direction between Junction 10 and Junction 6, with delays peaking at approximately 4.45pm.
This same stretch of the M25 is likely to experience congestion again during Saturday lunch hours.
Further afield, delays of around 45 minutes are anticipated around midday on Saturday on the M5 heading southbound between Junction 16 close to Bristol and Junction 23 serving Bridgwater.
The AA reported that retail outings represent the primary motivation for travel this weekend, ahead of trips to see acquaintances and relatives.
The organisation also highlighted potential disruptions near football grounds on Sunday afternoon as the concluding set of Premier League matches take place.
Sunny conditions are forecast to prompt additional spontaneous excursions, with thermometers potentially reaching 28C in the capital on Friday.
Kimberlin recommended that drivers verify their vehicles are properly prepared for summer conditions by examining oil and coolant levels along with tyre condition and pressure.