How to beat the summer getaway chaos

With schools breaking up and holidaymakers keen to hit the beach or countryside, the RAC is warning of “midweek mayhem” unlike anything seen before.

Between Monday 21 July and Thursday 24 July, British drivers are expected to make a record-breaking 13.9 million trips, marking the busiest midweek travel period since records began.

Around 2.3m trips will be made today, with a further 2 million trips planned each day through to Thursday. In total, an estimated 26.9 million car journeys will be made throughout the full getaway week, according to the RAC.

But the real crunch will come at the weekend, when traditional ‘Frantic Friday’ traffic kicks in. On Friday 25 July, around 2.7 million drivers will take to the roads, followed by a predicted 3 million journeys on Saturday – the busiest single day for traffic this summer – and another 2.7 million on Sunday.

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Where will it be the worst?

Transport data experts INRIX are forecasting significant delays on several major routes, particularly from Tuesday onwards, when most English schools close for summer. Here are key hotspots to watch out for:

• M40 northbound (J12 to M42 J3A): Delays of up to 40 minutes mid-morning on Tuesday.
• M1 northbound (J12 to J16, Northamptonshire): Delays of 50 minutes from 4pm.
• M4 westbound (J22 to J26): Also expecting 50-minute queues Tuesday evening.
• M1 near Leicester to Nottingham (J22–J26): 40-minute delays expected from 3pm Wednesday.
• M25 anticlockwise (J4 to Dartford Crossing): Up to 50 minutes’ wait during Wednesday evening rush hour.

Tips to beat the summer traffic

The RAC and INRIX are urging drivers to plan smartly and travel outside peak hours to avoid getting stuck. Here’s how to keep your trip as smooth as possible:

Smart car prep tips

• Before you hit the road, give your car a little TLC. A few minutes of prep could save hours of headaches later.
• Check your oil and coolant as low levels can lead to overheating, especially in summer traffic jams.
• Check your tyres for peace of mind. Properly inflated tyres with good tread mean better grip, fuel efficiency, and a safer drive.
• Pack like a pro by loading up on phone chargers, snacks, bottled water, and breakdown essentials (yes, that means jumper cables, torches, and a high-vis vest!).
• No time to get to the garage? Book a mobile mechanic to give your car a quick once-over at home before you go.

Family Travel hacks

Long journeys with kids don’t have to feel like a test of endurance. These sanity-saving tips will help everyone arrive with a smile.

• Download movies, prep playlists, bring books or travel games – whatever keeps little minds busy (and off the “are we there yet?” loop).
• If there’s another adult in the car, switch drivers during breaks to stay alert and refreshed.
• Stop every couple of hours to stretch your legs and reset. Bonus points for picnic spots or playgrounds en route!
• Stock up on healthy snacks and drinks within arm’s reach – you’ll avoid hanger-fuelled meltdowns and save on motorway prices.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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