Busiest Bank Holiday Weekend: 19M Car Trips

0:00On May 1st, drivers get ready for the busiest early May Bank holiday weekend on UK roads in 10 years. The rack predicts 19 million leisure trips by car from today through Monday, almost matching the 20 million record from 2016. That's despite fuel prices jumping from the U.S. Israeli war in Iran that kicked off February 28th. Frantic Friday is already underway with 3.7 million drivers mixing it up with commuters, but tomorrow shapes up even busier with over. 4 million journeys, expect the worst from 10am to lunchtime, especially on the M5 between Bristol and Tonton heading to Devon and Cornwall. Sunday and Monday each see about 3 million more trips. Fuel costs are up 13 pounds for petrol and 27 pounds for diesel to fill a typical 55 liter family car compared to last year. Yet a survey of over 2,000 drivers shows only 6% are skipping trips because of it. Most folks 61% are planting getaways anyway, but drivers love their bank holidays.

1:03REC experts say it takes a lot to keep us off the roads, so check your tire pressure, oil, coolant, and screenwash before you roll out. Meanwhile, network rail keeps most lines open, but watch for closures like Liverpool Lime Street all Sunday and half of Monday plus the East Coast. Mainline from York to Darlington starting tomorrow. Otherwise, expect sun mixed with showers through the weekend after today's 26 degree highs. Plan ahead on roads or rails to dodge the chaos and make those memories without the stress.