25m car journeys expected this August bank holiday weekend
Up to 25 million motorists are expected to hit the road this August bank holiday weekend, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 UK drivers by breakdown provider Green Flag found that nearly three quarters (73%) plan to make at least one journey by car during the long weekend. Almost half (47%) say they will be making shorter journeys, while a third (33%) are planning at least one long-distance drive of more than two hours.
Busy August bank holiday
Motorists are also set to cover considerable distances, with those making journeys expecting to travel 100 miles on average. One in three (33%) expect to drive 100 miles or more, while almost one in 10 (9%) anticipate covering between 200 and 299 miles.
The findings suggest Britain’s roads could be particularly busy as families, holidaymakers and day-trippers make the most of the final long weekend of summer.
The research also explored when drivers who will be making August bank holiday journeys are planning to travel. Saturday is expected to be the busiest day, with more than a third (37%) of those travelling by car planning to make their longest journey then, equivalent to around 9.2 million motorists. Friday follows (24%), ahead of Sunday (17%) and Bank Holiday Monday (10%).
More than half of those making journeys (51%) expect to travel on motorways, equivalent to around 12.73 million motorists, while 42% anticipate driving on major A roads, equivalent to 10.63 million motorists. Meanwhile, 28% expect to travel on rural roads and one in five (20%) plan to drive on coastal routes.
Road accidents a key concern
One in five (20%) are planning a day trip, while 13% will be enjoying a UK staycation or short break. Not everyone will be switching off, however, with 8% saying their longest journey will be work-related, rising to 11% among Gen-Z motorists.
The Green Flag research found that heavy traffic and congestion ranked as drivers’ biggest concern ahead of the long weekend, cited by more than half (52%) of those travelling. Roadworks (34%), road accidents (25%) and vehicle breakdowns (18%) also rank highly, with nearly one in five motorists concerned about experiencing a breakdown while travelling.
Damon Jowett, head of customer roadside and network services at Green Flag, said: “The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, with millions of drivers expected to hit the road to make the most of the long weekend by visiting friends and family, enjoying days out or taking a short staycation.”
