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May Day bank holiday traffic could hit highest level since 2016

Drivers are planning to take an estimated 14 million trips this May Day bank holiday weekend – the highest number since 2016 and bringing the prospect of delays on the roads.

The RAC warns than any sunnier, warmer days could trigger many more people to jump into their cars this May Day bank holiday weekend

The RAC Breakdown research shows that the predicted colder weather is not cooling down drivers’ desire to take advantage of the recent easing of Covid restrictions to see friends and family or take day trips.

Traffic is expected to be up significantly on Easter – the RAC survey of 1,000 drivers suggests an estimated 62% more leisure trips are planned this coming bank holiday weekend than four weeks ago.

The figures indicate Saturday will be the busiest day of the weekend with the equivalent of 2.6 million journeys planned, followed by Friday with 2.3 million and bank holiday Monday with 2 million. But drivers are also planning an additional 6.2 million trips on a day yet to be determined – the RAC warns than any sunnier, warmer days could trigger many more people to jump into their cars.

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “After what was one of the quietest Easters on the roads in years, our figures suggest the easing of Covid restrictions has made a dramatic difference with millions more drivers planning to hit the roads.”

He added: “The prospect of queues on the roads – particularly leading to major shopping centres – looks far more likely this coming weekend, and we’d advise drivers to plan ahead and keep tuned to local traffic bulletins to find out if there’s any disruption.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.