RAC reveals the 10 roads likely to be busiest this weekend

Andy Wells
·Freelance Writer
·3 min read
This weekend is set to be the busiest summer getaway in at least eight years. (PA)
This weekend is set to be the busiest summer getaway in at least eight years. (PA)

The RAC has revealed the 10 roads set to be busiest over the weekend as they warn of travel chaos at the start of the summer getaway.

Most schools in England and Wales are breaking up this week, sparking a rush for families to head off for mini-breaks and staycations.

The RAC has warned that an estimated 18.8 million leisure trips: will take place between Friday and Monday, with a peak of 4.62 million trips taking place on Saturday.

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead for their journeys, with the RAC recommending early morning or late evening trips to avoid getting stuck on gridlocked roads.

Millions of drivers are expected to be on the M25 at the start of the summer getaway. (Getty)
Millions of drivers are expected to be on the M25 at the start of the summer getaway. (Getty)

The RAC has listed the 10 roads that are expected to be the busiest on the big weekend:

  • M25 anticlockwise J4 Bromley to Dartford Crossing: 60 min delays mid-afternoon, Friday, 22 July

  • M4 eastbound J30 Cardiff East to J24 for the A449 Monmouth: 26 min delays mid-afternoon, Friday, 22 July

  • M25 anticlockwise J17 Maple Cross to J12 for the M3: 50 min delays late afternoon, Friday, 22 July

  • A303 westbound past Stonehenge: 27 min delays late morning, Saturday, 23 July

  • M25 clockwise J7 for the M23 to J16 for the M40: 52 min delays around middle of the day, Saturday, 23 July

  • M5 south J15 Almondsbury Interchange to J23 for A38 Bridgwater: 47 min delays around middle of the day, Saturday, 23 July

  • M25 anticlockwise J17 Maple Cross to J12 for the M3: 36 min delays around middle of the day, Saturday, 23 July

  • M25 clockwise J7 for the M23 to J16 for the M40: 45 min delays around middle of the day, Sunday, 24 July

  • M25 anticlockwise J4 Bromley to Dartford Crossing: 31 min delays mid-afternoon, Sunday, 24 July

  • M25 anticlockwise J17 Maple Cross to J12 for the M3: 26 min delays mid-afternoon, Sunday, 24 July

Hot summer weather and the start of the school holidays will spark a surge in staycations this weekend. (PA)
Hot summer weather and the start of the school holidays will spark a surge in staycations this weekend. (PA)

‘Frantic Friday’ is set to see some 4.2 million trips by cars, while 4.6 million are expected to be taken on Saturday.

Some 4.2 million leisure trips are also expected to be made on Sunday – by people heading off for a break or returning before the end of the weekend.

The RAC said this year will mark the busiest summer getaway in at least eight years, following two years of COVID lockdowns and regulations.

Typical scene during rush hour. A traffic jam with rows of cars. Shallow depth of field.
Drivers are being urged to make journeys earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic jams. (PA)

People may also be making the most of the long spell of hot weather in recent weeks – including the UK’s hottest ever day being recorded on Tuesday.

With more cars on the road there will inevitably be more breakdowns and National Highways have urged drivers to check their vehicles before starting journeys.

More than 41,500 people broke down on National Highways roads last year because of tyre issues – accounting for over 20% of all breakdowns.