How to avoid weekend traffic delays during the May bank holidays
May 02, 2024 by John Rawlings
Car changing is a big deal
Bank holidays are a great for a weekend away or seeing friends and family, but when are the best and worst times to travel? Read on…
Traffic is always busy over the early May bank holiday weekend and this year it is predicted to peak on Saturday 4th May at 3.3 million vehicles, adding an average of 50% to travel times in some areas, according to the RAC and INRIX. Planning to avoid the busiest period between 9am and 2pm could save a lot of time and frustration.
This weekend’s high traffic levels will start on Friday 3rd May (2.6 million vehicles), with expected peak times of 11am to 6pm, and continue on Sunday and bank holiday Monday (2.3 and 2.6 million trips, respectively), especially between 10am to 3pm.
To avoid the busiest traffic, travelling before 9am on Friday 3rd May and after 5pm over the weekend and bank holiday Monday are thought to be the best times to travel.
Weekend traffic hotspots for the May bank holiday 2024:
- M25: J23 to J27 and J5 to J7: lane closures to install 24 emergency refuge areas
- M53: between Liverpool and Chester
- M55: between Blackpool and Preston
- M5: between Bristol and Taunton
- A360: closed where it intersects with A303 at Stonehenge
- A38: between Norwich and Thetford
- A30: between Exeter and Cornwall
- A3: Hindhead tunnel has been closed recently due to technology issues
Weather warnings, such as flood alerts in Devon, roadworks to install 24 additional smart motorway emergency refuge areas on the M25, and the closure of the A360 where it crosses the A303 by Stonehenge could add to traffic delays.
Motorists heading towards the south coast should check the A3 Hindhead tunnel is fully open again after being closed for technology reasons this week.
Congestion in other parts of the UK is expected on the M53 southbound from Liverpool to Chester, the M55 between Blackpool and Preston, the A38 from Norwich to Thetford and in the south west between Cornwall and Exeter on the A30. The M5 between Bristol and Taunton is usually one of the busiest, particularly on Friday afternoon.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Catching up with friends and family is still the first priority for nearly half of drivers making leisure trips over the bank holiday. Since 2022 – the first full year since COVID restrictions lifted – drivers appear to be much more eager to make the most of the May Day weekend, with the total number of getaway trips this year far exceeding the average since 2017.”
Top tips for your bank holiday weekend travel
Before any long journey it’s always wise to check you have the essentials in your car, especially if you haven’t done a big trip for a while.
Some other tips to make your journey safer and stress-free, include:
- Check your insurance and breakdown cover is up to date
- Check tyre pressures and inspect them for damage (including the spare tyre, if fitted)
- Check your first aid kit. Has anything gone out of date?
- Plan your route and look at satellite images of your destination on Google maps
- If you need to charge an electric vehicle en route, plan where to charge an EV
- Check if your car needs a service or MOT before you go
- Check if you’re going to be driving into a clean air zone (CAZ) – and avoid unwanted penalties by entering your car’s registration number in Carwow’s CAZ checker.
- Going abroad? Check the latest rules and regulations for driving in Europe
And if you decide you’d like to sell your car or change it before the next bank holiday weekend in May, here’s Carwow’s 10 best cars for long distance driving.
Looking for an easy way to change your car? Then Carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.