Millions of motorists set to hit the road over the extended Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend are being warned to expect delays.
With Queen Elizabeth II is set to mark 70 years on the throne from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June 2022, making her the first ever British monarch to reach this milestone, and the UK to get an extra bank holiday for the occasion, the RAC has said that about 19.5 million leisure trips by road will take place between Wednesday and Sunday as the nation prepares.
A survey of 1,460 drivers’ travel plans added that Friday is likely to be the most congested day on the roads and motorways across the UK.
This will see day-trippers combine with families returning home from half-term breaks.
RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “The fact the bank holidays coincide with the end of half-term in many places has the potential to put some extra pressure on the road network,” but he added “many appear keen to keep their car journeys short, perhaps mixing a daytrip or two with a Jubilee celebration at home”.
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Traffic information supplier Inrix is also advising drivers to set off either before 6am or after 3pm to avoid the worst of the traffic.
The RAC said that about 19.5 million leisure trips by road will take place between Wednesday and Sunday / Credit: NIC
It’s not all doom and gloom though, as around 37% of respondents to a separate RAC poll said that they will not be driving long distances over the weekend.
For those who are planning on travelling by road though, the RAC is urging drivers to carry out essential checks on their vehicles before setting off – such as making sure oil, coolant and screen wash levels are correct, and tyres are properly inflated and free from damage.
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“A bit of TLC now could make the difference between a straightforward trip and one beset by a breakdown,” said RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis.
Elsewhere off the roads, the widespread engineering work that Network Rail normally carries out during bank holidays has been put on hold and nearly all major lines will remain open during the Jubilee celebrations, with Chief executive Andrew Haines saying it’s because the company “knows that demand will be high”.
Drivers are being advised set off either before 6am or after 3pm to avoid the worst of the traffic / Credit: Malc McDonald (via Geograph)
“Our station staff will be on hand to welcome passengers and help them with their journeys,” he assured travellers.
Meanwhile, UK airports will also be busy, with more than 10,000 flights departing between Thursday and Sunday, according to aviation data firm Cirium, which is a three-fold increase on the same period last year.
Featured Image – Flickr
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2022 
