Drivers are being told to prepare for long queues on roads this week as motorists embark on a record-breaking 13.9 million journeys between Monday and Thursday.
New data from the RAC found that the extraordinary volume of midweek travel is set to surpass all previous records since monitoring began.
The surge in traffic coincides with the end of the school term across England, prompting families to begin their summer holidays earlier than traditional weekend departures.
Transport analysts Inrix warn of severe delays on key routes including the M1, M4, M25 and M40 across the week.
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|Almost 27 million trips will be taken over the next week across the UK
Nick Mullender from the RAC's mobile servicing team described the situation as "midweek mayhem", noting that holiday traffic would typically concentrate on weekends.
He 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."
Today (Monday, July 21) alone will see 2.3 million trips undertaken, with Tuesday expected to bring another two million journeys as most English schools close for the summer break.
The weekend outlook appears equally challenging, with Friday, July 25, earning its "Frantic Friday" moniker through an anticipated 2.7 million journeys.
PA | Drivers could see long delays on the M25 near the Dartford Crossing
Saturday emerges as the peak travel day, with three million trips planned - the highest single-day figure recorded.
An additional 5.6 million trips are scheduled at various points throughout the Monday-to-Thursday period, with 4.6 million more will occur across the weekend, bringing the week's total to 26.9 million journeys.
The RAC and INRIX recommend departing either very early or late to bypass the heaviest congestion, while weekend travellers should aim to leave before 10am or after 7pm on Friday and Sunday, while Saturday journeys should commence before 10am.
Mullender emphasised the importance of avoiding peak commuting hours, saying: "To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours."
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Essential pre-departure checks include examining oil and coolant levels, plus inspecting tyre condition and tread depth.
The RAC advises sharing driving duties on lengthy journeys to maintain alertness, while families should prepare entertainment for children alongside water, snacks and phone chargers.
Saturday's anticipated three million journeys represent the highest single-day travel volume, prompting the RAC to warn of a "Saturday scramble".
"If a getaway journey involves hours in the car, it's essential to be well rested and fresh for the trip," Mullender advised. He recommended that passengers share driving responsibilities where possible to maintain high concentration levels throughout the journey.
GETTY | Motorists are being urged to ensure their vehicles are serviced before a long journey
Worst times to travel and roads that could face delays over the next week
Monday, July 21: 11am to 6pm - M25 anticlockwise J17 to J12
Tuesday, July 22: 2pm to 6pm - M40 northbound in Oxfordshire towards the M42 and M1 northbound through Northamptonshire
Wednesday, July 23: 1pm to 6pm - M1 northbound from J22 near Leicester to J26 for Nottingham and M25 anticlockwise from J4 to Dartford Crossing
Thursday, July 24: 1pm to 7pm - M60 clockwise J7 to J18
Friday, July 25: 10am to 7pm - M5 northbound J25 to J15 and M25 anticlockwise J4 to Dartford Crossing
Saturday, July 26: 10am to 5pm - M6 northbound J5 to J10A and A82 Glasgow to Loch Lomond via Dumbarton
Sunday, July 27: 11am to 7pm - M6 southbound J27 to J13