Major motorways under amber traffic warning for Bank Holiday weekend as 18m drivers to hit the roads in getaway rush

The RAC revealed the worst - and best - times to travel
AMBER ALERT Major motorways under amber traffic warning for Bank Holiday weekend as 18m drivers to hit the roads in getaway rush
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MAJOR motorways have been issued amber traffic warnings ahead of 18million drivers hitting the road this Bank Holiday.
Motorists are urged to avoid certain routes across the UK as they kick journeys to celebrate the long weekend.
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May Bank Holiday traffic building on the M5 this morning
Credit: Alamy
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following heavy overnight rain, traffic was congested on the M4 at Langley in Berkshire this morning
Credit: Alamy
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It is projected that each day could see 3.4 million journeys as Brits make a getaway for the long weekend
Credit: Alamy
Drivers could suffer hold-ups of up to 55 minutes on stretches of the A30 westbound towards Okehampton, the M5 southbound toward Bridgwater and the A303 westbound past Stonehenge.
Similar scenes have been predicted for those heading towards Wales on the M4.
Traffic chaos will be worsened by the European Rugby Challenge Cup at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The match starts at 8pm on Friday, with gates opening at 6pm and a spokesperson from Visit Cardiff warned: "The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this rugby match so please plan ahead."
The M25, the UK's busiest motorway, is also expected to see terrible delays this weekend according to travel analytics specialists INRIX.
On Friday, May 23, the day most drivers will be setting off, the M25 anticlockwise from Junction 4 to Junction 1 near the Dartford Crossing may see lunchtime journeys delayed by more than 45 minutes.
Later that day, the M25 anticlockwise between Cobham services (Junction 10) and Clacket Lane services (Junction 6) could face queues of 35 minutes during the evening rush hour.
The RAC have warned of the worst traffic on Friday and Saturday when the highest number of trips are expected to be made.
It is projected that each day could see 3.4 million journeys as Brits make a getaway for the long weekend.
This figure drops on Sunday, May 25 with 2.7 million trips expected.
The this jumps up to 3 million on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, for the start of the half-term.
On top of that, an addition 5.4 million trips may take place throughout the weekend.
Research from RAC suggests that the best times to hit the roads will be very early in the morning or into the evening.
A majority of drivers say they'll set off some time between 5am and 12pm.
Drivers who are able to do so are advised to leave their journeys as late as possible as traffic is expected to peter out later in the day.
RAC Mobile Mechanic, Aaron Bryan, said: "Our research shows it really is best to leave as early or late as possible this bank holiday weekend, as the majority of motorists are planning to set off in the morning.
'While Devon and Cornwall remain some of the most popular destinations for summer getaways, many other major routes across the country could be hit by increased traffic – not least the M25 which so many drivers use to reach the coast and the South East.
"These stretches are likely to be equally as busy on Friday 30 May when drivers use the same roads for return journeys.'
Just 3% of motorists are planning their journeys for between 7pm and 1pm after the evening rush hour
Shaun Jones, the AA Patrol of the Year, added: "With the upcoming bank holiday, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off – Check tyres, oil and coolant levels and make sure you have enough fuel or EV charge for your journey.
"We also encourage drivers taking longer journeys to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep everyone refreshed. By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant travel experience during the bank holiday weekend."
This comes as Brits have also been warned of a Bank Holiday washout after temperatures plummeted to -3C overnight.
The Met Office forecast predicts incoming thunderstorms, frost and heavy rain over the long weekend.
After spates of glorious weather over the last few weeks, the mercury plunged as low as -3C in northern parts of Scotland last night.
Elsewhere much of the UK hovered between 0C and 3C.
But the turn in weather is just the beginning, with forecasters warning of possible thunderstorms coming in over the weekend.
While it is mainly scattered showers, some storms may develop across northwest England and southwest Scotland.
The rainy weather will gradually spread across the nation on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers.
Today's forecast will see sunny spells across much of the UK, with temperature highs of 22C in the West Midlands.
Figures will also hover at around 19C in the south east by the afternoon.
Elsewhere, Northern Ireland will be hit by downpours but the mercury will reach highs of 15C.
Best and worst times to drive this late Spring Bank Holiday weekend:
Friday May 23:
Leisure trips by car: 3.4 million
Worst times to travel: 10am to 8pm
Best times to travel: Before 2pm
Saturday May 24:
Leisure trips by car: 3.4 million
Worst times to travel: 9am to 4pm
Best times to travel: After 5pm
Sunday May 25:
Leisure trips by car: 2.7 million
Worst times to travel: 11am to 2pm
Best times to travel: Before 11am
Bank Holiday Monday, May 26:
Leisure trips by car: 3 million
Worst times to travel: 11am to 6pm
Best times to travel: Before 11am

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