Anticipated soaring temperatures in May are set to lead to a significant increase in travel over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Approximately 23 million car trips are expected starting Friday, with coastal and popular tourist destinations likely to experience high traffic. This surge coincides with families embarking on vacations for the school break and a rise in air travel abroad.
Following a notably cold May, temperatures are projected to exceed 30°C in some regions, signaling a potential heatwave in parts of the UK. The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Greg Wolverson, mentioned that high pressure will dominate the weather during the bank holiday weekend, promising favorable and stable conditions across the country. Any temperature surpassing 29.4°C would mark the highest May temperature recorded in the UK since 2012, with the all-time May record standing at 32.8°C.
The AA predicts that Friday will be the busiest day, with an estimated 23.4 million journeys, followed by 22.8 million on Saturday, and 22.4 million on both Sunday and bank holiday Monday.
Most trips are anticipated to be local, with nearly half of respondents in an AA survey planning daily excursions of up to 50 miles. Shopping ranks as the top reason for travel, cited by 40% of drivers, closely trailed by visits to family or friends at 39%. Additionally, around 23% plan trips to DIY stores or garden centers, while 22% expect to travel for work.
Research conducted by the RAC reveals that 28% of drivers are increasingly concerned about rising fuel prices. The average cost of petrol in the UK currently stands at 158.52p, the highest since December 2022, while diesel is priced at 185.92p. This translates to £87 to fill a family car with petrol, £14 more than last year, and over £102 for diesel, which is £26 higher than the previous year.
Lee Morley, an expert patrol at the AA, stated, “A warm bank holiday weekend typically inspires people to consider impromptu getaways, coastal visits, or trips to see loved ones. When good weather follows a period of unsettled conditions, individuals are more inclined to make spontaneous plans, so drivers should anticipate heavy traffic on popular routes.”
“Sunday may pose an additional challenge, with the final matches of the Premier League likely to intensify traffic around stadiums, city centers, and major roadways,” Morley added.
Key travel routes towards the South West, Cornwall, Wales, and popular seaside towns are expected to be hotspots during the bank holiday weekend.
While most train routes will remain operational, planned engineering works will disrupt journeys for numerous passengers, including Middlesbrough fans heading to London for the Championship play-off final against Hull City at Wembley.
In London, Stansted Airport foresees over one million passengers by the following Sunday, with 400,000 expected over the bank holiday. Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport are also preparing for high passenger volumes during the half-term