Roads over the August bank holiday are expected to be particularly busy as travellers compensate for a summer washout.

Friday is predicted to be the busiest day on the roads

More than 18 million trips are planned this weekend, the AA has warned, although drivers will stay much closer to home as mixed weather and Saturday’s Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) rail strike threatens to scupper plans for a seaside break.

Friday is predicted to be the busiest day on the roads with two-thirds (66%) of 18- to 24-year-olds taking to the roads, many of those in the South West. Those least likely to travel are those aged over 65, with half (51%) saying that if they do drive somewhere, it’s likely to be somewhere local.

Football supporters will be travelling further afield – including Preston fans who are planning to make a 502.6-mile round trip to watch their team take on Swansea.

The Yonder survey of 12,903 AA members last week also found that 15% have cancelled day trips and 6% have cancelled weekend breaks or longer motoring holidays this summer because of the downpours.

The research also showed cancellation rates almost doubled among car owners most likely to have families – 7% for weekend breaks in the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups, and 4% for longer holidays in the 25-34 age group. However, on regional level there were relatively small differences between areas of the UK. At worst, 5% of drivers said they cancelled weekend breaks (North East, North West, Yorkshire/Humberside and West Midlands) compared to the 4% average and a 3% best result in eastern England.

Likewise, longer summer holidays by car were rained off among 4% of motorists in the North East versus 1% in the East of England and the same in Scotland.

Drivers hoping to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend are advised to use the AA Route Planner to check for delays.