Both business and holiday drivers should take heed that the roads are going to be busy come this weekend.
The RAC is predicting heavy congestion this bank holiday weekend as music fans set off across the country during one of the busiest festival periods of the summer.
Motorists have been warned by the RAC that Friday morning will be the busiest time, as the last week of the summer holidays and a hectic music festival schedule combine to cause congestion on the roads. And with advance ticket offers for the weekend period being withdrawn on some intercity train routes, many will have no option but to join the rush to avoid forking out hundreds of pounds to reach their destination.
Further pressure on the roads will seen as rail engineering works are once again set to disrupt journeys on the west coast and midland mainlines. With less choice for transport more people are expected to reach for their car keys this bank holiday weekend and RAC is advising motorists to allow 50% more time for their journeys.
Festivals include:
* Carling Weekend: Reading & Leeds (22-24 August)
* Notting Hill Carnival, London (23-25 August)
* Creamfields, Liverpool (23-24 August)
* Manchester Pride (finishes 25 August)
* Get Loaded in the Park, Clapham, London (24 August)
* Solfest, Cumbria (22-24 August)
* Carlisle Live, Cumbria (23 - 24 August)
* Mathew Street Music Festival, Liverpool (24 - 25 August)
As a result, congestion hotspots are expected to be on the A67 in Leeds and A329 in Reading, and the A56 and M56 near Liverpool.
The RAC recommends planning an alternative route in advance of a trip off the main network if possible as the school summer holidays draw to a close many families will capitalise on their last chance to get a weekend away, causing congestion on the main holiday routes.
Iain Vale, RAC patrol of the year, says: “Understandably as the school holidays draw to a close, families use the opportunity to get their last bit of summer sun at the coast. This year, with a cooler summer having scuppered many families’ UK beach holiday plans, we’re expecting a real rush around the bank holiday, and this combined with the music festivals means RAC patrols are gearing up for a busy time.”
To help keep the UK roads moving, RAC recommends:
1. Plan your route in advance of your journey and have an alternative at the ready in case of delays. Check local radio stations or RAC Route planner at www.rac.co.uk
2. Allow extra time for your journey, especially if you are heading for a popular resort or you are travelling at peak times.
3. Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. Be aware that the stop/start actions of sitting in traffic jam use more fuel. RAC research shows that 64% of motorists do not know that £20 of petrol will only last an average of 120 miles.****
4. Take advantage of any available price cuts. Recent RAC findings***** show that motorway fuel prices currently average 10p per litre more than nearby supermarket forecourts.
5. Checking oil and water levels and the pressure and condition of the tyres before setting off could help to prevent a breakdown.
Simon McBride
