Routes to classic tourist hotspots could see high levels of congestion this May Day bank holiday as drivers make the most of the nicer weather. 

Bank holiday Monday is expected to be the busiest day on the roads with drivers planning an estimated 3.3 million leisure journeys

An estimated 16.8m separate leisure trips are being planned by drivers via car this weekend, the highest number since 2016, according to research by the RAC. 

It expects bank holiday Monday to be the busiest day, with the largest number of individual leisure journeys – 3.3 million. This is followed by tomorrow (Saturday) with 3.0 million and Sunday with 2.6 million. In addition, drivers are planning on taking an additional 5.6 million trips at some point between today and Monday – although 2.3 million of these will only be taken if the weather is good. 

But high petrol and diesel prices look certain to have an impact on just how big a ‘May Day getaway’ it will be, with 14% of drivers saying they’re not planning a leisure trip this weekend specifically for this reason. That’s more than twice the proportion of drivers who didn’t drive over Easter for the same reason (6%) and indicates that the cost-of-living crisis may now be starting to affect how people spend their leisure time. 

RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Easter might only have been a couple of weeks ago, but it looks as though plenty of drivers are still looking to make the most of this May Day bank holiday. We expect routes to classic tourist hotspots – especially the coasts – to clog up on Friday afternoon and through Saturday morning, although according to our research Monday could turn out to be the busiest day of the long weekend.” 

He added: “Preparation is paramount though to avoid an inconvenient breakdown at the side of the road – it’s a fact that the majority of the jobs our patrols will attend this weekend will be avoidable if drivers spend just a little time checking their vehicles are ‘road-ready’. A quick look under the bonnet to check oil and coolant levels, as well as ensuring tyres are properly inflated and are in good condition could save hours of hassle at the side of the road.”