RAC warns three million drivers planning to step foot in car on Saturday

The worst day to travel this bank holiday weekend has been revealed - as 16 million Brits are warned of motoring “mayhem” by the RAC. The RAC, a breakdown cover and roadside recovery group, has warned over exact times and routes to avoid if you want to miss the worst of the congestion.

Saturday May 4 will be the worst day for congestion, with an estimated 3.3 million journeys taking place, the RAC has warned. A further 2.3 million are set to travel on Sunday as well as another 2.6 million on Monday, the RAC has added.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With COVID travel restrictions a thing of the past, catching up with friends and family is still the first priority for nearly half of drivers making leisure trips over the bank holiday.

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"Since 2022 – the first full year since mobility restrictions lifted – drivers appear to be much more eager to make the most of the May Day weekend, with the total number of getaway trips this year far exceeding the average since 2017.

"We’re anticipating a ‘crescendo of cars’ on the road over the weekend with as many as three million motorists making leisure trips on Saturday alone. In addition to the majority of motorists planning day trips and short breaks, our data shows local routes to city and out-of-town shopping centres could see heavy traffic, so it’s best to head out early morning or evening if possible."

Bob Pishure, transportation analyst for INRIX, added: "Although delays won’t be as severe as Easter, drivers should expect the lengthiest hold-ups on major roads to and from popular destinations this weekend. Delays will likely peak on Friday afternoon with some areas seeing usual travel times double as holiday drivers vie for space on the roads with commuters."