20 million drivers expected to hit the road in Bank Holiday great getaway
MOTORING experts warned drivers to expect disruption with around 20 million cars expected on the roads this weekend.
The RAC expect 31,000 breakdowns
Journeys could be delayed by more than an hour while emergency services are gearing up to deal with around 31,000 breakdowns.
Heavy congestion is expected on the M25 near London, the M6 in the West Midlands and the A303 through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset.
The RAC said more cars will be out and about this weekend compared to last year because of the early Easter derailing travel plans last month.
Work will disrupt services on railway lines
Britons planning to use the railways will also face disruption with engineering work planned for a number of lines.
Do the essential checks on your car before heading off
Work will disrupt services operated by Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway and TransPennine Express lines although Network Rail promises “one of the least disruptive bank holidays for railway travel for many years”.
It said £33million of improvement work will be done with fewer than half the usual number of passengers expected to travel on the railways.
AA spokesman Max Holdstock urged drivers to check their cars with many making their first long-distance journey of the year.
Heavy congestion is expected on the M25 near London
He said: “May Bank Holiday traffic tends to be more intense as families and friends decide whether to get away or make the three days off a long weekend at home.
“For many vehicles it will be their first long-distance car journey of the year, which can reveal underlying mechanical problems that didn’t manifest themselves during short winter trips. Do the essential checks on your car before heading off.”