Traffic chaos to batter UK with 27 million car trips causing two-hour delays and 'long queues'

Dubbed the "great summer getaway", millions of drivers are set to hit the road over the coming days as the school summer holidays get underway, with most breaking up from Tuesday.

The RAC, alongside traffic experts Inrix, have estimated that holidaymakers will make 2.4 million getaway trips by car on Tuesday, followed by 2.6 million on Wednesday and 2.5 million on Thursday.

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Between Monday and Thursday, 13 million journeys will be taken ahead of the expected end-of-week rush ahead of "frantic Friday" where 3.2 million trips will be taken.

While traffic conditions in particular areas will be affected during the week, drivers have been issued an urgent warning that a "weekend of woe" will take place.

Congestion is expected to peak on Saturday, July 27, with a total of 3.6 million journeys expected, followed by a further 2.9 million trips the following day.

Traffic conditions could be made worse with four million people planning a trip at some point between Friday and Sunday, potentially causing havoc for everyone on the road.

Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, said journeys would take far longer on Saturday and Sunday, urging motorists to set off earlier than usual or they could be sat in traffic "for quite some time".

She added: "Our research suggests this year’s getaway is set to be busier than average, possibly due to the UK inflation rate having slowed, giving people a bit more confidence to spend.

"However, with our recent bad weather causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues to major airports should not be underestimated.

"We’d advise drivers to plan their routes well in advance if jetting off abroad this week."

The research also shows that one in 10 drivers will be heading on a staycation somewhere in the UK despite knowing that they have a potentially dangerous issue with their vehicle.

Potential issues that could be found with cars include warning lights, mechanical issues, fluid leaks or poor tread on a tyre, with the RAC urging motorists to get their vehicles checked by a professional before heading off on a longer journey.

The RAC has also told drivers to avoid travelling between 12pm and 5pm on both Friday and Saturday, as well as between 11am and 1pm on Sunday when the worst delays are expected.

The best times to travel will be after 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 3pm on Sunday. Britons can expect the longest hold-ups on Saturday, with delays on A-roads and motorways expected to take a third longer than usual.

Traffic will be particularly bad around UK airports and staycation destinations, with congestion likely to build to high levels from Thursday, July 25 onwards.

Delays of over half an hour can be expected between the Chiswell Interchange near St Albans southbound to Gatwick Airport and the A303 eastbound between Ilminster and Andover.

Experts are warning that the worst delay will be over two hours long at Saturday lunchtime on the M5 heading south between J15 - the M14 and M5 interchange near Bristol - and J23 for Bridgwater, with Britons looking to flock to Devon and Cornwall.

Bob Pishue, transport analyst at Inrix, added: "Drivers should expect long queues on major roads when heading to and from their destinations during this summer getaway.

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"To receive the most up-to-date travel information available, they should monitor news outlets and use the RAC’s route planner to receive live traffic updates.

"Being flexible with your route – whether it’s the time you leave or a journey that’s longer in miles with fewer delays – could also reduce the stress of being held up and make for a more enjoyable trip.”