Motorists in the United Kingdom are bracing for significant traffic disruptions this August bank holiday weekend, with an estimated 20 million car journeys anticipated between Friday and Monday. The RAC, a motoring organization, projects this to be the busiest August bank holiday travel period since it began tracking data in 2015.
Friday is expected to be particularly congested, with the RAC predicting 4.1 million getaways. Saturday is forecast to see 3.8 million journeys, followed by 3.1 million on Sunday and 3.4 million on the bank holiday Monday. An additional 5.5 million journeys are expected to be spread across the four-day period, with some drivers undecided on their travel days.
Transportation analytics firm Inrix has identified several potential traffic hotspots. Delays of up to 50 minutes are possible on the M25 anticlockwise between Junction 17 in Hertfordshire and Junction 12 in Surrey around midday on Friday. The M25 clockwise between Junction 15 in Buckinghamshire and Junction 19 in Hertfordshire could experience delays of nearly an hour on Friday evening. Sunday afternoon may see delays of up to 70 minutes on the M1 south from Junction 16 in Northamptonshire to Junction 6 in Hertfordshire around 3 p.m.
Further congestion is anticipated on the M5, with southbound delays of up to 75 minutes expected between Junction 15 near Bristol and Junction 23 in Somerset at noon on Friday. On Monday, the M5 northbound could see 45-minute delays from Junction 11 in Gloucestershire to Junction 1 in the West Midlands around 7 p.m., and similar delays are predicted for the M5 north from Taunton to the M4 Almondsbury interchange at 3:30 p.m.
The cost of fuel has also impacted travel plans. Petrol prices have risen significantly, with a typical 55-litre family car costing approximately £89 to fill, compared to £74 a year ago. A tank of diesel is now around £100, up from £79 in August 2025. An RAC survey of nearly 3,000 drivers indicated that 13% have canceled their bank holiday travel plans due to these higher prices, while 8% plan to proceed but will reduce spending on other aspects of their trips.
Despite the cost concerns, the RAC notes that drivers appear more confident in making plans, potentially due to the persistent warm and dry weather forecast for the late summer bank holiday, which has often been affected by poor weather in previous years. Drivers are advised to prepare for "Frantic Friday" by setting off before 10 a.m. if possible and carrying water in case of traffic jams.
Network Rail is undertaking engineering work over the weekend, though it stated it is performing less work than usual. However, the East Coast Main Line will be closed between London King's Cross and Peterborough on Sunday for digital signaling upgrades. Track renewal works will also impact services south of London between London Bridge and Tulse Hill via Peckham Rye. Replacement buses will be in operation on affected Southern routes and will also affect London Overground Windrush line services between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction via Peckham Rye.
Additionally, East Midlands Railway (EMR) has warned of disruption due to a strike by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) over safety concerns. This strike will affect services on Sunday and bank holiday Monday, leading to a significantly reduced timetable. EMR advises passengers to travel only if essential and to check service updates before their journey. Due to the closure of the East Coast Main Line, EMR services to and from London St Pancras are expected to experience very high demand and potential queues.
The AA estimates that around 23.5 million drivers will be on the roads on Friday, with numbers slightly decreasing through the weekend. The AA noted that most journeys will be shorter, with nearly 19 million cars expected to travel under 50 miles on Friday. The AA highlighted local routes around retail centers, roads heading towards coastal resorts, routes to the South West and Cornwall, the M4 towards Wales, and the M6 towards the North West coast as potential traffic hotspots. They also pointed out that weather conditions could influence travel decisions, with dry spells potentially encouraging last-minute trips.
VisitEngland reported that 10.6 million Britons are planning overnight holiday trips within the UK this bank holiday weekend, expected to contribute an estimated £4.3 billion to the economy. This figure is slightly down from previous years, with the cost of living remaining a concern for many travelers who are booking last minute and seeking value for money.