RAC warns of 27 million getaway car journeys
Traffic on UK roads is expected to reach record levels this week, with nearly 27 million getaway car journeys planned in the next seven days.
New data released by the RAC predicts that there will be 2.3 million trips today as the summer getaway gets into gear. A further two million car journeys are expected tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday.
On top of this, the RAC is expecting an additional 5.6 million journeys between today and Thursday as families head off on summer holidays.
Traffic levels will ramp up again over the weekend, with 2.7 million car journeys on Friday, three million on Saturday and 2.7 million on Sunday. An additional 4.6 million trips will take place at some point throughout the weekend, bringing the total number of journeys over the full getaway week to 26.9 million.
Congestion is likely to peak in the middle of the day, with driver encouraged to travel as early or late as possible to avoid the heaviest traffic.
Midweek mayhem
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer.
“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. To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.
“Saturday is expected be the single busiest day for summer traffic with many drivers travelling long distances to get to their holiday destination. If a getaway journey involves hours in the car, it’s essential to be well rested and fresh for the trip.
“Before setting off, drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down, like checking oil and coolant levels as well as the condition and tread on all tyres. There’s also still time to book an RAC Mobile Mechanic who can carry out a wide range of repairs at home or work, as well conducting a full or interim service.”
