Drivers have been warned to expect delays this weekend as roughly 17 million vehicles hit the road for the May Bank Holiday, which could cause serious congestion.
According to research, Friday has been estimated to be the busiest day of the whole weekend for traffic, with nearly three million journeys taking place.
Saturday, May 3, and Monday, May 5, will also be particularly busy with around 2.9 million and 2.8 million journeys undertaken.
Sunday, May 4, is expected to be the quietest day of the whole Bank Holiday on the roads with just 2.4 million journeys expected.
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Drivers have been urged to plan ahead and to not set off during peak times
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As the three-day weekend kicks off, drivers have been warned to avoid key hotspots for traffic, such as the M25 clockwise from South Mimms interchange to Essex, with estimated delays of 40 minutes expected from 4pm on Friday.
Meanwhile, the M5 southbound will see similar delays from 7pm between the J15 Almondsbury interchange at Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater.
To help avoid the heavy traffic backlogs, experts have advised motorists to travel before 10am on Friday, or before 11am or after 3pm if travelling on Saturday, Sunday or the Monday bank holiday.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "Although the Easter break was just two weeks ago, our figures suggest this weekend will still be hectic on the roads as millions take advantage of another bank holiday."
She urged drivers to prepare for their journey in advance to help reduce the chance of a breakdown. "It takes just minutes to check that a vehicle’s oil, coolant and screenwash are all at the right levels before your trip, and it’s equally important to ensure all tyres are damage-free, have plenty of tread and are inflated properly," she added.
For drivers towing a caravan or trailer, the RAC has also advised checking over these tyres as well to help avoid the risk of breakdowns.
Simpson added: "If you face a flat battery or a problem with your brakes on your journey, there’s no need to waste precious minutes of your holiday looking for a local garage.
"An RAC Mobile Mechanic can be booked to repair your vehicle on the driveway of your accommodation, completing any fixes you might need and any diagnostic checks."
Meanwhile, RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis explained that breakdowns are expected to "soar" over the next few days, coinciding with high temperatures in many parts of the UK.
To help stay on top of the heat, drivers have been urged to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down.
Drivers should also have sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun.
He warned: "Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there’s a serious risk of engine overheating."
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Drivers have been warned to expect heavy traffic on Friday, as well as Saturday and Monday
PATemporary insurance experts at Tempcover have also warned drivers not to overpack their vehicles. The insurer stated that exceeding a vehicle’s maximum authorised mass could lead to a £300 fine and three penalty points on a licence.
Claire Wills-McKissick, a car insurance expert from Tempcover, shared: "It's easy to overpack, especially for holidays or festivals, but exceeding your car's weight limit risks safety. If you’re borrowing or sharing a vehicle, check its load capacity first."
