rHolidaymakers are being warned to expect delays on Britain’s transport network this weekend, as nearly 18 million car journeys and widespread rail engineering works coincide with the August bank holiday in England and Wales.
The RAC has urged drivers to set off as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic, particularly on routes to airports and coastal destinations. The south-east and south-west of England are predicted to be the busiest areas.
Transport analysts at Inrix said severe congestion is likely on the M5 between Bristol and Devon, with delays of more than 40 minutes expected on Friday and Saturday between junction 15 (north of Bristol) and junction 23 (Bridgwater). Drivers heading for channel crossings via Dover or Folkestone could also face delays of more than half an hour on the M20 in Kent.
However, the best times to travel are:
After 7 pm on Friday
Before 9 am on Saturday
Before 11 am on Monday
Traffic is expected to ease on Sunday compared with the rest of the weekend.
What survey says on road
Survey data suggests that around 17.6 million car journeys will be made during the long weekend. Nick Mullender, RAC repairs team leader, warned that the extra demand will likely lead to more breakdowns, especially if good weather tempts more last-minute trips.
Rail disruption
Rail passengers will also face challenges, with 261 engineering projects scheduled across the network.
On Sunday, all services between London King’s Cross and Peterborough will be suspended, affecting long-distance trains to Scotland run by LNER and Lumo.
Avanti West Coast will run a reduced timetable to and from London Euston, while no trains will operate between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham
CrossCountry and Avanti services will be diverted, adding extra time to journeys.
London Northwestern services will run only as far as Birmingham International.
Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s chief network operator, said: “While most of the railway will be open, some disruption is unavoidable as we complete essential upgrades that can not be carried out during a normal weekend. Passengers should check their journeys in advance to avoid unexpected disruption.”
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