Bank Holiday getaway chaos starts early with drivers stuck in huge queues – check worst times to hit the roads
THE Bank Holiday getaway chaos has started early today with drivers stuck in huge queues.
Traffic was spotted crawling on the A2 in South East London as holidaymakers started to make their getaways ahead of the weekend.
Advertisement
4
The Bank Holiday getaway chaos has started early today with drivers stuck in huge queues
Credit: George Cracknell Wright
4
Traffic was spotted crawling on the A2 in South East London as holidaymakers started to make their getaways ahead of the weekend
Credit: George Cracknell Wright
Drivers have been advised to check traffic conditions with 17.9 million road trips expected over the late May Bank Holiday.
The RAC and transport analysts INRIX are warning of a potential "double dose of delays" today and on Saturday.
The highest number of leisure trips are projected to be made by car – 3.4 million on both days respectively.
With most getaway trips due to begin before lunchtime, research suggests the best times to hit the road will be very early in the morning or into the evening.
Advertisement
Read more Motor News
A majority of drivers say they'll head off at some point between 5am and 12pm.
Meanwhile 14 per cent plan to leave between 5am and 8am and nearly a third intend to travel mid-morning between 8am and 10am.
A further quarter will set off later between 10am and 12pm.
Traffic is expected to peter out significantly later in the day with those that can advised to leave their journeys as late as possible.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
Just 3 per cent of motorists are planning trips between 7pm and 11pm following the evening rush hour.
Experts are warning M25 users to plan well ahead as the UK's busiest motorway is expected to bear the brunt of the worst delays.
Elon Musk's Cybertrucks are coming to Britain - and may spell the end of household bills
On Friday – the day most drivers will be setting off – the M25 anticlockwise from J4 to J1 near the Dartford Crossing may see lunchtime journeys delayed by more than 45 minutes compared to normal.
Later in the day, the M25 anticlockwise between Cobham services (J10) and Clacket Lane services (J6) may face queues of 35 minutes longer at 5pm during the evening rush hour.
Advertisement
Elsewhere multiple routes connecting the West Country to the rest of the UK are expected to carry the lion's share of journeys on Saturday.
Stretches of the A30 westbound towards Okehampton, the M5 southbound to Bridgwater and the A303 westbound past Stonehenge may suffer hold-ups of up to 55 minutes more than usual.
4
Almost four-in-10 journeys will be squeezed into the first two days
Credit: George Cracknell Wright
4
Most getaway trips are due to begin before lunchtime
Credit: George Cracknell Wright
Advertisement
With the bank holiday weekend marking the start of the school half-term break in many parts of the UK, there's little reprieve for drivers travelling home back on Friday, May 30.
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.
"If the warm weather continues, travelling at cooler hours of the day saves fuel, puts less strain on the air conditioning system, and means older cars have much less chance of overheating.
"Regardless of the weather, always check your vehicle's oil and coolant levels before setting off, as well as tyre pressure and tread depth.
Advertisement
"Alternatively, an RAC Mobile Mechanic can check any battery or brake pad issues before you travel, along with diagnosing any faults signalled by dashboard warning lights.
"There's no need to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the garage either, as we can come to you at home or work.
"In hot temperatures, it's wise to carry lots of water, food and a tool kit, with jump leads, torch and some first aid basics.
"In the worst-case scenario of a breakdown, make sure you've got an umbrella and sunscreen to provide shade for all passengers when awaiting assistance.
Advertisement
"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."
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
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
M4 traffic: Road blocked after car fire leaves smoke billowing across motorway and traffic stopped
DRIVERS have been warned of traffic chaos building on the M4 this evening. A three mile bumper-to-bumper queue formed on the major motorway after a horror car fire erupted near Pontyclun, in Wales. Two lanes were shut down on the M4 westbound between J34 A4119 (Miskin) and J35 A473 (Pencoed). Emergency services were called to the scene this afternoon after the vehicle blaze broke out. A spokesperson for traffic monitor Inrix confirmed: "One lane closed and queueing traffic due to accident on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge westbound from J21 M48 to J22 M49." A National Highways South-West spokesperson added: "#M4 westbound between J16 #Swindon and J17 #Cirencester #Chippenham #Wiltshire TRAFFIC STOPPED Vehicle fire, @DWFireRescue on scene. Delays building (currently 30 mins)." Read More Lanes one and two were closed but have since re-opened. There was also a crash on the M32 southbound, which blocked the carriageway near junction 2 for Eastville. More travel disruption was sparked this evening when a car broke-down on the M49 northbound. Inrix warned of congestion in the area from junction 1 of the M49 to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge at junction 22. Most read in The Sun 1 Drivers have been warned of traffic chaos building on the M4 Credit: x/HighwaysSWEST More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Top 10 most popular cars in Britain revealed… as beloved Ford Puma is bought by 20k Brits in last year
THE UK's 10 most popular cars have been revealed - with the list including the fan-favourite Kia Sportage and Ford Puma. The definitive list compiled by Ford Puma 10 First on the list is Ford's popular Puma model - a standout in the growing small SUV market. The compact model uses mild-hybrid petrol engines to boost fuel efficiency. The Puma offers high ground clearance, a practical large boot, and a raised driving position. Inside, there's a digital display, touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, and a decent amount of standard kit. READ MORE MOTOR NEWS Ford says the Puma has been designed to be fun to drive as well as cheap to run. These specs mean the car is one of the most popular in the UK right now, and it picked up 21,936 in the last year. Kia Sportage 10 The Kia Sportage is another of the UK's best-selling family-friendly SUVs – and it's easy to see why. Each version is well equipped with a roomy interior, a smooth drive and sharp looks that stand out on the road. Most read in Motors There's a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid and full-hybrid models, giving buyers flexibility depending on how they drive. Running costs are low, with strong fuel economy across the range . Kia also offers a seven-year warranty as standard, making the Sportage a solid choice for families looking for value and reliability. In the last year, the Sportage was registered 19,636 times by Brits. Nissan Qashqai 10 Next on the list is the Qashqai from Nissan - one of the UK's best selling SUVs. Bigger and more refined than ever it boasts a spacious cabin and high-quality finish that feels more premium than the price suggests. There's loads of room for families, plus plenty of cutting-edge tech and safety kit as standard across the range. The Qashqai is built for everyday comfort, but it also handles long drives with ease - making it a great option for drivers looking to drive long distances. With affordable running costs and sharp looks, it remains a top pick for drivers after a practical, well-rounded family car. The Qashqai picked up 17,077 registrations in 2025 year-to-date. Volkswagen Golf 10 The iconic Volkswagen Golf turns 50 this year - and it's still standing as one of Britain's most popular cars. The Golf remains a go-to choice for drivers of all ages thanks to its blend of comfort, quality and reliability. Inside, the Golf comes packed with tech – including a sharp touchscreen, digital driver display and loads of safety features as standard. With solid build quality and low running costs, the Golf continues to offer everything most drivers want in a hatchback. It was registered by 16,545 drivers in the UK in the last year. Nissan Juke 10 Coming in next is another one of the UK's most popular small SUVs. The Nissan Juke consistently sells over 12,000 units a year and frequently holds a spot in top 10 car charts. Its cabin is driver‑focused and practical, offers decent rear‑seat room and a big boot. And it is also fun to drive, boasting sharp steering, firm handling, and plenty of torque. Within the last year it picked up 15,249 registrations. Vauxhall Corsa 10 Also making the list is the popular Vauxhall Corsa. The car is compact, affordable and easy to drive, making it a great choice for city drivers and first-time car buyers. There's a choice of petrol engines, plus a fully electric version – the Corsa Electric – offering up to 246 miles of range on a single charge. Inside, the latest models come with a digital dash, touchscreen infotainment, and smartphone connectivity as standard. It's available in several trim levels, with good specs across the range. This makes the Corsa a practical and cost-effective option for everyday driving. It was registered 14,198 times in the last 12 months. Peugeot 3008 10 This stylish model is a versatile and compact SUV. The Peugeot 3008 offers state-of-the-art tech for its user interface as part of a modern and sleek interior. It has a strong performance with efficient engines and advanced safety features. Coming in a range of hybrid or petrol options, the Peugeot 3008 is a great option for Brit car-buyers. Peugeot 2008 10 This small crossover SUV is a roomier version of the Peugeot 208 supermini with a bigger boot and more road presence. It comes as another one of Britain's favourite cars. The 2008 blends style, practicality and engine efficiency. With a modern design and advanced tech screens, the car has become a fan-favourite ever since its release. It comes with petrol, diesel or electric powertrains. The 2008 boasts a comfy ride with impressive fuel economy - making it a worthy contender on the top 10 list. Mini Cooper 10 The iconic Mini Cooper also takes a place on this list of the UK's favourite cars. The sleek and compact hatchback is known for its distinct appearance and agile handling. The Mini Cooper offers a fun driving experience, combined with modern technology and retro charm. It comes in various trims, all boasting an elegant interior. The Mini Cooper does best when it comes to urban driving, and that has made it a UK favourite for many years. Volkswagen Tiguan 10 Last on the list is the Volkswagen Tiguan - the popular compact SUV that combines style with practicality. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for families and longer journeys. You'll find a range of efficient petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid engines that deliver good fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Inside, the Tiguan comes with modern infotainment screens, smartphone connectivity, and a host of safety features as standard. Built with Volkswagen's reputation for quality, it's smooth to drive and feels solid on the road – perfect for city streets or motorway cruising. These features make it a go-to for Brit drivers across the country, and was registered a whopping 12,634 times in the last year.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Irish Times
Musk talks up robotaxis as Tesla's fundamentals fade
Elon Musk has teased a June 22nd debut for Tesla's long-promised robotaxi service, starting with 10-20 modified Model Ys crawling around Austin, Texas, under remote supervision. The launch comes at a fraught time. Tesla's car sales are sliding, Musk has alienated a swathe of customers, and his political entanglements – most recently a bust-up with Donald Trump – have unnerved even the bulls. Yet somehow, investors are still on board. Tesla shares slumped when Musk and Trump went to war, but clawed back their losses within days. While the stock is down 14 per cent in 2025, it's still 35 per cent above where it was trading before November's US elections. READ MORE That's hard to fathom, given the steady drip of bad news since: shrinking sales, eroding margins, customer boycotts, and now a spat with Trump that could cost Tesla its political cover. It's driving sceptics quietly mad. 'I have seen companies where the stocks have become detached from reality', said GLJ Research's Gordon Johnson recently, 'but I've never seen a company where the stocks stay detached from reality'. JPMorgan's Ryan Brinkman insists 'fundamentals will eventually matter'. So does Barclays' Dan Levy, who says the stock 'hasn't fully confronted weak fundamentals', which 'don't seem to matter ... until they eventually matter'. With the Trump connection now toxic, the robotaxi is Tesla's new story. Its debut should be a credibility test after years of missed autonomy deadlines, but Tesla investors are a forgiving bunch. Reality may have the last word, just not yet.
