The coming days could see chaos on the UK’s roads – in particular on ‘Frantic Friday’ – as the busiest summer holiday getaway for years starts. 

Saturday 23 July is expected to be the worst day, but Friday and Sunday will probably be not far behind

Some 18.8 million separate leisure trips are being planned by drivers between Friday and Monday according to the RAC; it’s the highest number recorded for these three days since it started tracking summer getaway numbers in 2014 and suggests the UK might be in line for its third big ‘staycation summer’ in a row. 

Saturday 23 July is expected to be the worst day, with 4.62 million separate road trips, but Friday and Sunday will probably be not far behind, with 4.29 million separate trips on each day. And an extra 5.61m journeys by car will take place sometime between ‘Frantic Friday’ and the end of Sunday by drivers currently unsure when they’re heading out. 

To avoid the inevitable queues, drivers are advised to start their journeys either very early in the morning or later in the evening. 

Inrix data indicates that the M25 could see some of the worst jams, in particular between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing, from Maple Cross to the M3, and the M23 to the M40. 

The A303 near Stonehenge, M4 between Cardiff and Newport and M5 south of Bristol are also likely to be hard-hit. 

Drivers are also urged to ensure vehicles are ready for the road to avoid breaking down; separate RAC research has found that just a fifth of UK drivers (17%) regularly check their vehicles before setting out on long journeys.  

National Highways, which is responsible for motorways and major A roads across the country, has also launched a campaign reminding drivers to check their tyres regularly and always before long journeys. More than 41,500 people broke down on National Highways roads last year because of tyre issues – accounting for over 20% of all breakdowns. 

National Highways’ head of road safety Jeremy Phillips said: “We are reminding drivers to check their vehicles, particularly the tyres, before setting off. Unsafe tyres put you and others at risk as well as running the risk of attracting a hefty fine and penalty points. 

“A simple check on tyre tread and pressure could prevent a breakdown and make sure you get to your destination safe and sound.”