Summer Getaway Chaos: 27 Million Car Trips Hit UK Roads
Brits are gearing up for a bumper summer escape with an eye-watering 27 million leisure car trips expected over six days, warn the RAC and transport experts INRIX. School holidays kick off on Tuesday 23 July, sparking the first wave of holiday traffic.
Midweek Madness Builds Up to Friday Frenzy
- Tuesday alone will see 2.4 million motorists hitting the roads for holidays.
- Wednesday and Thursday add another 2.6 million and 2.5 million trips respectively.
- Between Monday and Thursday, a staggering 13 million getaway journeys are forecast.
- Friday’s “frantic Friday” rush will crank up with 3.2 million trips as commuters and holidaymakers collide.
This summer’s getaway is shaping up to be the second busiest since 2015. Only 2022 saw more cars on the move after lockdowns eased.
Weekend Worry: Congestion Peaks on Saturday
Prepare for a “weekend of woe” as Saturday 27 July is expected to bear the brunt, with 3.6 million journeys clogging the roads. Sunday follows with 2.9 million trips, making the weekend total 13.8 million.
INRIX warns peak traffic chaos hits between noon and 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, plus 11 am to 1 pm on Sunday. Avoid travel during these times if you can.
Best bet for smoother roads? After 6 pm on Friday and Saturday or from 3 pm Sunday onward. Saturday will see the longest traffic jams, with delays on motorways and A-roads taking 33% longer than normal.
Traffic Hotspots & Holiday Hazards
- Queues over two hours expected on Saturday lunchtime on the M5 southbound near Bristol as holidaymakers head to Devon and Cornwall.
- Major delays target routes to Gatwick, London, berkshire999.co.uk/where/southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton, Portsmouth ports, and airports from Thursday onwards.
- Over 2.7 million drivers admit driving with car faults—warning lights, mechanical issues, leaks or bald tyres—putting lives at risk.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Anyone hitting the roads this weekend should brace for longer journeys. If you can’t leave very early, expect sitting in traffic. This year’s getaway is busier, with falling inflation giving people more confidence to spend. Airport queues will also be nasty due to rise in international trips. Plan routes carefully.”
“The fact that 1 in 10 drivers set off despite car problems is terrifying. You risk breakdowns or worse, accidents. Book a Mobile Mechanic before you travel – it’s cheaper and safer.”
INRIX analyst Bob Pishue added: “Long queues are unavoidable on main routes this summer. Keep updated with live traffic info and be flexible with your plans. Sometimes a longer route with less traffic beats sitting in jams.”
With millions set to flood UK roads, savvy drivers will prepare, plan, and maybe postpone the start times. Otherwise, expect a summer getaway stuck in the slow lane.
