Travel warnings have been issued as millions of people prepare to journey across the UK this bank holiday weekend.
With the three-day weekend upon us, and people nationwide preparing to make the journey to visit family or friends on their extra day off work or school, the RAC has now issued one of its annual travel warnings – anticipating that 18 million people could be hitting the roads from this Friday evening onwards.
It’s all according to a new study of drivers’ late May bank holiday getaway plans carried out by the RAC and traffic analytics specialists INRIX.
There’s warnings of a potential ‘double dose of delays’ on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May when the highest number of leisure trips are projected to be made by car – a total of 3.4 million on both days, respectively.
That figure drops slightly to 2.7 million on Sunday 25, before 3 million hit the roads on bank holiday Monday (26 May) for the start of half term.
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18 million people are expected to hit the roads over the bank holiday weekend / Credit: Geograph | Pxfuel
To make matters even worse, an additional 5.4 million getaway journeys may take place at some point throughout the bank holiday weekend too, but at this point, drivers planning these trips are still unsure exactly when they’ll travel.
With most getaway trips due to begin before lunchtime, the research suggests the best times to hit the road will either be very early in the morning or later into the evening – with the majority (68%) of drivers saying they’ll be heading off at some point between 5am and 12pm, 14% planning to leave between 5am and 8am, nearly a third (30%) intending to travel mid-morning between 8am and 10am, and a further quarter (24%) setting off later between 10am and 12pm.
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Traffic is expected to ease off rather significantly later in the day though, so if you are in a position to leave your journeys until the evening, then the RAC is advising that you take that option, as apparently on 3% of motorists say they are planning to do that so far.
“Our research shows it really is best to leave as early or late as possible this bank holiday weekend, as the majority of motorists are planning to set off in the morning,” commented RAC Mobile Mechanic, Aaron Bryan, ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, also added on a similar note: “With the upcoming bank holiday, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic.
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“We advise all drivers to plan their journeys in advance and stay updated with congestion and roadworks.”
Featured Image – Geograph
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TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.
As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out.
With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.
Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.
The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.
🚧 Mancunian Way Annual Maintenance
The Mancunian Way and its slip roads will be closed on 27–28 June for essential inspections and repairs.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 22, 2026
Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.
Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.
“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.
“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd May 2025 
