EXCLUSIVE Brace for Bank Holiday chaos: Warning 20 million cars will hit the roads each day while railways pause scores of services for engineering works
Britain's drivers were today warned to expect chaos and long delays during the late May bank holiday weekend with 20million cars set to hit the roads each day.
Congestion is likely to be localised around attractions, retail parks, town centres and coastal areas - with half of journeys set to be under 50 miles, according to The AA.
The busiest day will be Friday when commuter traffic combines with leisure travel as many families head off to enjoy the May half-term holidays after schools break up.
Some 20.6million journeys are anticipated to be made in the UK on Friday, then 19.6million on Saturday and 19.3million on each on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
The AA has issued an 'amber traffic warning' to alert drivers to high congestion on the roads, adding: 'Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.'
Routes heading into the South West of England such as the A303, M5 and A38 are expected to be particularly busy, as well as roads leading to Wales such as the M4.
Drivers to Wales were also told to be aware of the current 20mph speed limits in built up areas, while the A52 to Skegness and the M55 to Blackpool could be slow-moving.
Congestion is also expected on the M6, M42 and M5 around the Birmingham area, as well any route with a major retail park such as Bluewater in Kent and Lakeside in Essex – which are both near the M25 – and Meadowhall in Sheffield, near the M1.
Traffic on the M5 motorway near Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset on April 18, 2025. Routes heading into the South West of England such as this are expected to be particularly busy
Saturday will see most leisure journeys with over 7million people heading to activities such as trips to the coast, sporting events and DIY or garden centres.
Some 3.5million people indicated they intend to take a long weekend break away from home, according to a survey by The AA.
The most common activities are said to be shopping or visiting family or friends, while around half of respondents still had not decided on their plans.
The poll run by Yonder received 11,551 responses from AA members between April 7 and 15.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: 'With the upcoming bank holiday, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic.'
He encouraged 'all drivers to plan their journeys in advance and stay updated with congestion and roadworks' by using route planner apps.
Mr Jones continued: 'Drivers should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. Check tyres, oil and coolant levels and make sure you have enough fuel or EV charge for your journey.
'We also encourage drivers taking longer journeys to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep everyone refreshed. By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant travel experience during the bank holiday weekend.
'Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Let's make sure we all get there safely and enjoy the time with our loved ones.'
Rail disruption
Rail passengers also face a weekend of disruption, with no trains between London St Pancras and Bedford on Saturday and Sunday due to overhead line upgrades.
East Midlands Railway services will start and terminate at Bedford, while Thameslink services will start and terminate at St Albans and Harpenden.
A reduced timetable will also be in operation on Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and CrossCountry services between Nuneaton and Stafford due to HS2 works.
How far are drivers expecting to travel during the late May bank holiday weekend?
Date Under 50 miles 51-100 miles 101-150 miles 151-200 miles 201-250 miles Not Driving I don't know yet
Fri 23 May 52% 6% 2% 1% 1% 10% 28%
Sat 24 May 51% 6% 2% 1% 1% 13% 29%
Sun 25 May 50% 5% 2% 1% 1% 15% 29%
Mon 26 May 50% 5% 1% 1% 1% 12% 30%
Other disruption will see buses replace trains between Crewe and Preston from Saturday until Monday, and no trains between Peterborough and Ely on Sunday and Monday.
Buses will replace trains between Amersham and Aylesbury Vale Parkway from Saturday to Monday, and between Chester and Manchester Piccadilly from Saturday to Monday.
In London, between Saturday and Monday, the Mildmay line will have no service between Camden Road and Stratford, and the Picadilly line will not run between Hammersmith and Cockfosters.
The Elizabeth line will have a reduced service on Sunday between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 4 and Maidenhead. No trains will serve Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell.
Weather forecast
The weather for the bank holiday is currently expected to be mixed, with temperatures reaching 19C (66F) and a chance of sunny spells at times.
However parts of the country could also see showers or longer spells of rain due to westerly winds and incoming areas of low pressure, with most of the rain set to be in northern and western areas.
This would represent a dramatic change from the settled and warm weather over recent weeks which has brought the driest spring in more than a century.
How many drivers are planning to make a journey - and what type of trip will it be?
Date Fri 23 May Sat 24 May Sun 25 May Mon 26 May
Total on road 20. million 19.6million 19.3million 19.3million
Work journeys 24% 8% 7% 18%
Leisure journeys 31% 40% 36% 27%
Not decided 45% 52% 57% 55%
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: 'The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell.
'The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday.
'They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places.
'These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers.'
He said the bank holiday 'won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected', but the weekend will have a 'notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.'
Conditions are likely to remain unsettled into the half-term week, with 'rain, wind and around average temperatures in the forecast', according to the Met Office.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Coastguard warns Guernsey boat owners to follow sea safety rules
Boat owners in Guernsey have been warned to follow safety rules before heading to sea by the island's coastguard Coastguard said boat owners should follow the "Three Ps of sea safety" - prepare before leaving the harbour, provide the right equipment and perform responsibly at Way, acting harbour master, said following the rules would "reduce the risk of getting into difficulty, but also improve their chances of rescue if something does go wrong".He said: "Whether you are heading out for a day's fishing, sailing, or simply enjoying our beautiful coastline, it's vital to plan ahead" as "longer days and warmer weather" meant more people would use the sea. What are the Three Ps? The coastguard said the Three Ps people needed to follow were:PREPAREBefore leaving the harbour, prepare in the following way:Make a plan and tell someone ashore what you are doing and when you will be backCheck your boat thoroughly including fuel, engines, rigging, hull, electronics, bilge pumps, and gas systems (if fitted)Ensure your navigation lights and instruments are working up-to-date weather forecasts, tide times, and tidal flows for your intended passageKnow how to make a distress call and who to contact in an emergencyCheck the latest Navigation Warnings and Local Notices to Mariners at social media, or by listening to the Maritime Safety Information broadcast every 4 hours on VHF Channel 16/20PROVIDEMake sure you provide the right equipment on board:Serviced lifejackets for everyone aboardA reliable marine VHF radio (not just a mobile phone)Emergency flares - in-date and safely storedFire extinguishers, kill cord, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)Navigation equipment - updated electronic or paper chartsPERFORMPerform responsibly on the water:Look after your passengers and crew - practice emergency procedures including person in the water recovery and making distress callsRespect harbour and bay speed limits and other rulesBe mindful of your wake and considerate of other vessels and water users, particularly in the baysThe coastguard said people should "never mix boating with alcohol or drugs, whether legal or otherwise". It said people going to sea to regularly should refresh their knowledge of safe boating practices and emergency procedures.
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Explore bats, moths and more at Devon nature events
From twilight bat walks to early morning moth discoveries, nature enthusiasts in East Devon will have the chance to learn more about wildlife in their local area with a number of Wild East Devon programme is "packed with opportunities to get up close with some of the area's wildlife", the East Devon District Council highlights are bat walks at Seaton Wetlands, where participants use detectors to listen for calls from 14 recorded species, including the rare Bechstein's and grey long-eared bats. "From traditional crafts such as willow weaving and spoon carving to immersive wildlife experiences, there's something for everyone," countryside manager James Chubb said. Also new this year are moth and muffin mornings, which will "provide attendees with the chance to discover the beauty of moths and the staggering diversity of species found at Seaton Wetlands", the council Trinity Hill, nightjar walks will guide visitors through dusk landscapes in search of the elusive, ground-nesting nightjar, known for its haunting events include:Willow Garden Owl, Saturday 7 June, Seaton WetlandsSpoon Carving for Beginners, Saturday 14 June, Seaton WetlandsSeaton Wetlands Summer Holiday Club, 4–8 August
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Holiday ATM warning that could leave holidaymakers without cash this summer
HOLIDAYMAKERS might end up without cash this summer if they are not aware of this banking feature. Many travellers choose to withdraw cash at the ATM when they are abroad. 1 However many could be unaware that there is a limit to how much you can take out every day The amount can vary so it is worth checking with your provider ahead of your travels to avoid being caught short. Below we share how much money each high street bank lets you withdraw each day. BARCLAYS The bank of over 20 million Brits lets customers withdraw up to £300 per day when abroad. This rises to £1000 for those with a premier account. Barclays said customers have amended their cash limits in their Barclays app then these will apply when abroad as well. That means if you set your withdrawal limit to £200, you will only be able to take this much out when you are abroad. You will also be charged a 2.99% fee for withdrawing cash abroad with your Barclays debit card. That means you would be charged an extra £2.99 for withdrawing £100 abroad. The fee will also apply if you pay using your debit card. Lloyds Lloyds said customers can withdraw up to £800 per day when abroad. However, it warned the amount you can take out may vary depending on which ATM you choose to withdraw cash from. Lloyds customers are also charged a 2.99% fee for using their card abroad. But Club Lloyds members have recently had this fee waived as part of changes to the scheme. It now costs £5 per month to have a Club Lloyds account after the price was hiked from £3. Halifax Halifax is a subsidiary of Lloyds and also has a £800 maximum withdrawal fee. Customers are also charged a 2.99% fee for using their card abroad. But from August 1, Halifax Rewards customers will have this charge removed. It comes as part of a refresh of the banking offer, which will see new features added and some taken away. SANTANDER The high street bank said the highest amount that customers can withdraw abroad is £300. The same rate applies to customers withdrawing cash in the UK. This applies to Santander customers using the Edge, Edge Up and Everyday current account. However customers with a Private Current Account, which has a £5 monthly fee, the daily withdrawal limit can be up to £1,500. Santander warned this may vary depending on the ATM. NATWEST NatWest has over 19 million users across the UK, making it another popular bank for customers. How much you can withdraw from an ATM when abroad depends on what type of account you have. For example, customers with a student, graduate savings and teen accounts have their limit set at £250 per day. This increases to £300 for those with premium accounts such as NatWest Silver of Platinum, which offers rewards and travel insurance. The bank also charges customers a 2.75% fee to use their debit card abroad. NATIONWIDE The bank, which has 17 million customers, said current account holders can withdraw up to £500 per day at an ATM abroad. However, the bank warned overseas banks may put higher limits on transactions. For safety purposes and customers may find they are only able to withdraw a sterling equivalent of £135 to £150 per transaction. If customers are affected by this, they can make further withdrawals on the same day up to the accounts withdrawal limit. Customers may be charged for their transactions. Nationwide customers are charged a 2.75% fee to use their debit card abroad. BEWARE OF THIS SIMPLE MISTAKE If you are travelling abroad this summer you should also be aware of this easy ATM mistake that could cost you. Cash machines will usually give you the option to pay in the local currency or in pounds. It may seem like the obvious option to pay in pounds, as it's more familiar and the currency linked to your card. However, by choosing this option you could end up paying more for the cash coming out of the ATM or for the goods you're paying for at the till. That is because the overseas bank will do the conversion to pounds and the rates are unfavourable. However, if you choose to pay in the local currency your card will instead do the conversion which is usually much more favourable. So if you are keen to save cash when abroad, you should opt to pay in the local currency and not pounds. Are there other options to for spending abroad? There are several specialist cards that can give you a great exchange rate. These cards include travel credit cards and pre-paid cards which can let you pay abroad without fees or at a set exchange rate. Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall explains all the options. Travel credit cards: Travel credit cards allow you to spend money abroad without being hit by any fees or hidden charges. But, they may still charge you for taking cash out. We recommend the Halifax's Clarity Card as it won't charge you for using it abroad, nor are there any fees for withdrawing cash. But you will be charged interest if you don't repay your balance in full at a rate of 19.9 per cent. And you will be charged interest on cash withdrawals until your balance is paid off too, at a rate of between 19.9 and 27.95 per cent depending on your credit score. In other words, just because you are using plastic abroad doesn't mean you don't have to pay these credit cards off like you normally would. Always pay off your balance before the end of the month with these cards to make sure that any money you saved isn't wiped away by paying interest. For more on travel credit cards you can read our guide here. Pre-paid cards: An alternative to carrying cash around is to get a pre-paid card. These cards allow you to put a set amount of cash on the card at a fixed exchange rate. So if the rate is good at the moment, you can put money on your card and it will stay that rate when you are on holiday. Just keep in mind that these cards can sometimes have hidden costs and charges so be sure to read the small print.
