Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in ‘midweek mayhem'

Scottish Sun

24-07-2025

A popular port is anticipated to see 40,000 cars this weekend
TRAVEL HELL Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in 'midweek mayhem'
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BRITS heading on their midweek holidays have been met with huge queues and delayed traffic.
Around 14 million holidaymakers have been caught in the traffic as they head on a midweek trip.
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An estimated 13.9 million motorists are set to hit the road for a midweek break
Credit: PA
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Around two million drivers are due to start their holiday between Monday and Thursday
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Traffic at the Port of Dover is causing delays of around an hour for motorists
Credit: PA
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The Port of Dover could see 270,000 vehicles over the next six weeks
Credit: PA
With 13.9 million drivers expected to go on holiday between Monday 21st and Thursday 24th, a new peak has been set for the highest number of midweek car trips since records began.
RAC statistics suggest that 2.3 million trips were made on Monday, with a further 2m every day from Tuesday to Thursday this week, as well as an additional 5.6 million journeys likely throughout this period.
This increase is largely a result of most schools breaking up for the summer on Tuesday.
As the week progresses, traffic is likely to worsen, with the 'end of summer term' getaway weekend predicted to be busy.
An estimated 2.7 million journeys are predicted to take place on July 25 - as it is branded "Frantic Friday".
The following day, the insurance company believes the "Saturday scramble" will see the largest number of trips in a single day at 3 million.
Across the weekend, an estimated 26.9 million motorists are set to head off on their holidays.
Drivers have been warned that increased traffic could cause delays on several major motorways.
Sections of the M40 could see delays of up to 40 minutes, while the M1 Northbound and M4 westbound could see delays of 50 minutes at some junctions.
Motorists waiting to cross the Port of Dover have been left at a standstill today.
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Both freight lorries and holidaymakers are trying to cross the channel.
Vehicles are moving very slowly through Dover from the A20, down Jubilee Way towards the port in Kent.
A spokesperson said that motorists should anticipate delays of around an hour.
There is a traffic control system in place, in addition to traffic wardens.
One of the wardens told an eyewitness that they had received a lot of verbal abuse from drivers earlier today.
Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been "preparing for a busy summer" and has brought in measures to "minimise disruption".
He said: "We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too.
"That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season."
The Port of Dover said they were expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend, and more than 270,000 over the next six weeks.
To avoid bad traffic drivers are advised to leave as early or as late as possible to avoid midday queues.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: "We typically see a peak on 'Frantic Friday' when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned.
"To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours."
Drivers are also reminded to check their oil and coolant levels, as well as their tyres, before setting off.
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Earlier today delays caused a backlog of traffic on the A20 outside Dover
Credit: PA