AA warns of 'exceptional' bank holiday traffic

THIS YEAR’S Whitsun Bank Holiday is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years as it coincides with the start of half term for many families, according to the AA and traffic information specialist Trafficmaster.

As schools in England and Wales take their half-term break during the last week of May, coinciding with the Late Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26th May, traffic is likely to be exceptionally busy on main trunk routes.

Although the weather presents a potentially mixed picture for the bank holiday weekend, the AA estimates that up to 17 million cars could be on Britain’s roads.

Friday 23 May afternoon and evening will see normal commuter traffic mixing with those looking to make an early getaway while on Saturday drivers can expect some serious congestion in many places as main routes struggle to cope as the rush to holiday hotspots gets under way from about 10am until early afternoon.

The AA’s newly-crowned Patrol of the Year, Mark Spowage advises: “Whatever the weather, drivers should be prepared for extra traffic and possible delays on major routes to coastal areas and holiday resorts. Planning your journey and avoiding the main bottlenecks could relieve the frustration of sitting in a traffic jam.”

“Preparing for your journey is important, especially if your car hasn’t undertaken a long trip for a while. Just take ten minutes extra to check the basics – oil and water levels, tyre pressures – check your handbook to see whether you need to increase pressures if you have a heavy load – and top up the windscreen washer bottle.”

By Press Association reporter