Staycation drivers warned over bank holiday gridlock as millions prepare for getaways

Holidaymakers and day-trippers were warned they faced a nightmare on the roads this bank holiday weekend as millions prepared to head off on domestic getaways.

Londoners were told to expect heavy traffic, with the RAC predicting some 18 million leisure trips will be taken by car over the weekend.

This is up 1.8 million from last year due to the high demand for staycations amid travel restrictions and uncertainty surrounding trips abroad.

A 14-day quarantine is in place for travellers returning from a host of European destinations including Spain, France and Croatia.

The RAC said the largest volume of cars on the road would be this evening, with an estimated 5.6 million separate trips planned. Figures from VisitBritain show 4.8 million people are planning to spend at least one night away this weekend, despite predictions of chilly weather.

A further 6.9 million were undecided about whether to book a last-minute stay, the study suggested.

Spokesman Rod Dennis said: "Research suggests Friday and bank holiday Monday will be busiest for leisure trips on the roads, with plenty of people eager to make the most of the last bank holiday this side of Christmas.

"Despite the pandemic, we’re expecting about 1.8 million more trips by car over this weekend than last year, most likely as a result of staycationers returning home ready for the start of the new school year next week."

Car hire provider Zipcar has reported a 14 per cent increase in consumers booking "round-trips" in the UK compared to this time last year.

Tourism body VisitBritain estimates the surge could bring a £1.2 billion boost to the battered economy. This is backed up by research from American Express, which found small businesses in the retail and hospitality industries are set for a £46 million boost over the weekend.

But the holiday mood might be dampened by the weather, which is set to be unusually cool.

Maximum temperatures in the South East are expected to be 18C, with a mix of sun and showers. And Green Flag has predicted nearly 64,000 breakdowns - nine a minute.

Read more

PM in back to work drive as travellers rush to beat quarantine-LIVE