Summer getaway set for busy start, warns RAC
The summer getaway will get off to a busy start this weekend with 14 million drivers set to take to the roads.
According to data released by the RAC, this will make it the busiest weekend on the roads since lockdown was lifted in 2022.
Saturday is expected to be the busiest day with 3.8 million getaways, with a further 3.4 million leisure trips on both Friday and Sunday.
An additional 6.8 million trips will be spread across the weekend, with 16.2 million beginning their staycations between today and Friday.
Nine per cent of drivers will be heading to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, along with the north west of England, with eight per cent setting off for Kent, Sussex and Scotland.
Busy start
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “The great British summer staycation is about to get off to a flying start, with many opting to stay in the UK instead of travelling abroad. This could be down to people having more confidence in the weather, as well as concerns over cancelled flights, higher air fares and EU border delays, which are no fun with a family in tow.
“Household budgets have also been squeezed thanks to high fuel costs caused by the Iran war, meaning many may be opting to spend their summer holidays here rather than battle with the expense of going abroad.”
Saturday scramble
She added: “Drivers should be ready for the Saturday summer scramble and plan their journeys, thinking about setting off earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic jams. People should prepare for delays and getting stuck in a jam in potentially very hot weather.
“This means ensuring your car is ‘summer-ready – checking that oil and coolant are topped up and making sure that tyres have plenty of tread and are pumped up to the correct pressures.”
