As millions prepare to travel during the upcoming bank holiday weekend, significant disruptions are anticipated across both road and rail networks in the UK. The combination of heavy traffic, ongoing rail works, and potential strikes could significantly impede travel plans for many.
The Automobile Association (RAC) forecasts an impressive estimated 17.6 million trips will be undertaken by car between Friday and the holiday on Monday. The association emphasizes the importance for drivers to either embark on their journeys early or brace themselves for extended periods of time spent in traffic. This is especially pertinent for those navigating the roads in England, particularly within the South East and South West regions. According to RAC officials, these areas are predicted to face some of the most severe congestion, and anyone traveling through them should expect delays.
Additionally, rail travel is also expected to face challenges. In light of a planned strike by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, CrossCountry advises its passengers to postpone their travels on Saturday. Meanwhile, Network Rail has announced that several major routes will be closed due to ongoing engineering works, highlighting the challenges rail passengers will encounter.
The bank holiday Monday is a holiday for residents in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prompting large crowds anticipated at several festivals and events. Key attractions, such as London’s Notting Hill Carnival and the Reading and Leeds festivals, are expected to draw considerable crowds, further complicating travel itineraries. Also, the Creamfields festival in Cheshire is likely to attract numerous attendees, intensifying traffic along key routes.
Transport analytics company Inrix indicates that the M5 motorway, particularly the segment between Bristol and Devon, might experience the most significant traffic delays. It is expected that motorists traveling this stretch, specifically from junction 15 north of Bristol to junction 23 leading to Bridgwater, could encounter delays exceeding 40 minutes on both Friday and Saturday. Furthermore, motorists should be ready for over half an hour of hold-ups along the M20 in Kent, a crucial route for those traveling to the Channel via Dover or Folkestone.
Nick Mullender, leader of the RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs team, voiced concerns about heavy traffic on major roads that lead to airports and coastal destinations during this period. He emphasizes that the South East and South West regions are likely to shoulder the brunt of the holiday’s traffic disruptions, reiterating the recommendation for travelers in these areas to set off early to mitigate delays.
Despite these anticipated challenges on road networks, rail services are expected to continue operating this weekend despite major works planned for over 260 projects across Britain. Network Rail assures passengers to verify their journeys beforehand to avoid disruptions. Notably, on Sunday, long-distance services between London King’s Cross and Peterborough will be halted, impacting services from LNER and Lumo along the East Coast Main Line. A reduced service will also be available to and from London Euston, while no services will operate between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International from Saturday through Monday.
Forecasts for the weather indicate a predominantly dry but somewhat cloudy day for many areas on Friday, with Saturday and Sunday expected to remain dry as well. BBC Weather reports that conditions will be warm in the August sun with an anticipated rise in temperature as winds shift to a south-easterly flow. While Scotland may experience sunnier intervals, much of Northern England and Northern Ireland will have cloudy days. Central and southern England are predicted to be the warmest, with temperatures hovering between 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). However, Monday could bring unsettled weather as Hurricane Erin’s remnants approach the UK, leaving some uncertainty around rainfall on Bank Holiday Monday.
With such busy conditions expected across the travel network, individuals planning bank holiday trips are urged to remain informed and prepare accordingly for the potential for delays and interruptions.
