Key Takeaways:
- 14.1 million motorists expected on UK roads from Friday to Sunday this weekend.
- Congestion hotspots include the M1, M25, M60, and M4.
- Fuel costs remain high: petrol up £8.90, diesel up £21.20 for a typical family car.
- EU biometric border checks (EES) cause delays at ports, Eurotunnel, and St Pancras.
- Many families opt for UK holidays, driving demand for domestic stays.
Summer Getaway Traffic: A 'Saturday Scramble' Ahead
The RAC has issued a stark warning for this weekend: an estimated 14.1 million drivers will take to the roads for holidays or day trips, marking the busiest summer getaway in four years. Saturday is expected to be the peak day, with 3.8 million planned journeys, followed by Friday and Sunday each attracting around 3.4 million.
Transport analytics firm Inrix highlights key congestion hotspots, including the M1 southbound between Junction 16 (Northampton) and Junction 6 (Watford), parts of the M25, the M60 near Manchester, and the M4 westbound from the Severn Crossing to Bridgend.
Tip: If you must travel, consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst jams.
Fuel Prices Bite Harder This Year
Filling up a 55-litre family car now costs an additional £8.90 for petrol and £21.20 for diesel compared to last year. The RAC notes that these higher costs are squeezing household budgets, pushing more families to choose staycations over overseas breaks.
Why UK Holidays Are Surging: Flight Disruption, EU Border Delays
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando says many families are opting for UK holidays due to a combination of factors: flight disruption, EU border delays, and household budgets strained by the ongoing global situation. She warned drivers to expect the 'Saturday summer scramble' and prepare for delays, especially in hot weather.
Popular domestic destinations include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and the North-West of England, as well as the Sussex and Kent coasts, Scotland, Wales, and East Anglia.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Adds to Travel Stress
The EU's new biometric border system, fully rolled out in April, requires travellers from non-EU countries like the UK to register fingerprints and have their photo taken when entering the Schengen Area. This has caused significant queues at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal, and London St Pancras station.
Despite widespread calls from the travel industry to suspend EES until September to avoid peak summer chaos, the EU has refused. Many passengers have already spent hours waiting in line, and with the summer rush now in full swing, delays are expected to worsen.
Prepare for the Road: Key Tips
- Carry water, sunscreen, and shade – an umbrella can help if stuck in a hot queue.
- Check traffic apps (like Waze or Google Maps) before and during your journey.
- Stagger your travel times – avoid peak hours around 10 AM to 4 PM.
- For cross-channel travel, allow extra time for EES checks at border points.
Stay informed and plan ahead. This summer's getaway may be one of the most challenging yet, but with careful preparation, you can still enjoy your holiday—whether at home or abroad.