Heavy traffic expected as RAC predicts busiest bank holiday for motorists in years

Drivers have been told to expect the UK’s busiest May bank holiday traffic in years, despite high fuel prices and the looming end of the sunny spell threatening to dampen the long weekend. More than 19m leisure trips by car were expected over the long weekend from Friday to Monday, according to research by the RAC motoring organisation – the most since 2016. Engineering works are also likely to disrupt rail journeys this weekend. Almost 40% of drivers surveyed were planning an overnight break or day trip, with only 6% saying they were deterred by the surge in pump prices since the start of the hostilities in the Middle East. Friday will see early getaways meeting commuter traffic and school runs, although the RAC has pinpointed late Saturday morning as the peak time for cars on the roads. It highlighted the M5 from Bristol to Taunton as a likely congestion black spot as drivers head to Devon and Cornwall – although the traditional bank holiday change in weather to heavy rain, after a week of sunshine over much of the UK, could now see many plans change. Meanwhile, engineering works on the railway will mean longer journeys and replacement buses for passengers around the country, including on the mainline from London to Edinburgh, as well as Liverpool and Bath. Network Rail said the “vast majority” of Britain’s railway network will be open as usual but with “some notable exceptions” for works. …