Major routes to holiday destinations are expected to see heavy traffic over the weekend as schools break for half-term and preparations start for the Jubilee bank holiday.

Saturday will be the most popular day on the roads with drivers planning an estimated 4.6 million trips

Research from RAC Breakdown suggest drivers are planning on making 17.8 million leisure trips this weekend, impacting motorways and major A-roads. Saturday is expected to be busiest with an estimated 4.6 million trips taken, followed by today (Friday) and Sunday with 4 million journeys each day. Drivers expect to take an additional 5.3 million at some point from today to the end of the weekend.

Data from the transport experts at Inrix also shows the potential for some delays across the country, in particular the M1 southbound between J16 and J6 on Friday evening, the M25 anticlockwise between J17 and J12 on Saturday morning and A720 west between the A1 and the M60 clockwise between J7 and J18 on Sunday afternoon.

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “All eyes might be turning to the long Jubilee bank holiday just a week away, but before then we have the start of half-term which will no doubt see major routes to holiday destinations start to clog up. Drivers can beat the worst of the queues by planning the time of their trips carefully – an early start is always best or, failing that, driving at dusk if that’s a feasible option.”

Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at Inrix, added: “Even with fuel prices continuing to rise, we still expect travellers to hit the road during the half-term break. Drivers should expect congestion on major roads around big cities and popular destinations. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”

The RAC also said motorists can reduce their chances of becoming a breakdown statistic by completing some quick pre-journey checks – checking oil and coolant levels, ensuring tyres have plenty of tread and are correctly inflated, and topping the screenwash.