By MARK DUELL
Britain's drivers were today warned to expect chaos and long delays during the late May bank holiday weekend with 20million cars set to hit the roads each day.
Congestion is likely to be localised around attractions, retail parks, town centres and coastal areas - with half of journeys set to be under 50 miles, according to The AA.
The busiest day will be Friday when commuter traffic combines with leisure travel as many families head off to enjoy the May half-term holidays after schools break up.
Some 20.6million journeys are anticipated to be made in the UK on Friday, then 19.6million on Saturday and 19.3million on each on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
The AA has issued an 'amber traffic warning' to alert drivers to high congestion on the roads, adding: 'Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.'
Routes heading into the South West of England such as the A303, M5 and A38 are expected to be particularly busy, as well as roads leading to Wales such as the M4.
Drivers to Wales were also told to be aware of the current 20mph speed limits in built up areas, while the A52 to Skegness and the M55 to Blackpool could be slow-moving.
Congestion is also expected on the M6, M42 and M5 around the Birmingham area, as well any route with a major retail park such as Bluewater in Kent and Lakeside in Essex – which are both near the M25 – and Meadowhall in Sheffield, near the M1.
Slow-moving traffic on the M42 near Birmingham on April 21, 2025. This is one of the routes identified by The AA where congestion could be high during the late May bank holiday
Traffic on the M5 motorway near Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset on April 18, 2025. Routes heading into the South West of England such as this are expected to be particularly busy
Saturday will see most leisure journeys with over 7million people heading to activities such as trips to the coast, sporting events and DIY or garden centres.
Some 3.5million people indicated they intend to take a long weekend break away from home, according to a survey by The AA.
The most common activities are said to be shopping or visiting family or friends, while around half of respondents still had not decided on their plans.
The poll run by Yonder received 11,551 responses from AA members between April 7 and 15.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: 'With the upcoming bank holiday, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic.'
He encouraged 'all drivers to plan their journeys in advance and stay updated with congestion and roadworks' by using route planner apps.
Mr Jones continued: 'Drivers should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. Check tyres, oil and coolant levels and make sure you have enough fuel or EV charge for your journey.
'We also encourage drivers taking longer journeys to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep everyone refreshed. By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant travel experience during the bank holiday weekend.
'Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Let's make sure we all get there safely and enjoy the time with our loved ones.'
Rail passengers also face a weekend of disruption, with no trains between London St Pancras and Bedford on Saturday and Sunday due to overhead line upgrades.
East Midlands Railway services will start and terminate at Bedford, while Thameslink services will start and terminate at St Albans and Harpenden.
A reduced timetable will also be in operation on Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and CrossCountry services between Nuneaton and Stafford due to HS2 works.
Other disruption will see buses replace trains between Crewe and Preston from Saturday until Monday, and no trains between Peterborough and Ely on Sunday and Monday.
Buses will replace trains between Amersham and Aylesbury Vale Parkway from Saturday to Monday, and between Chester and Manchester Piccadilly from Saturday to Monday.
In London, between Saturday and Monday, the Mildmay line will have no service between Camden Road and Stratford, and the Picadilly line will not run between Hammersmith and Cockfosters.
The Elizabeth line will have a reduced service on Sunday between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 4 and Maidenhead. No trains will serve Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell.
The weather for the bank holiday is currently expected to be mixed, with temperatures reaching 19C (66F) and a chance of sunny spells at times.
However parts of the country could also see showers or longer spells of rain due to westerly winds and incoming areas of low pressure, with most of the rain set to be in northern and western areas.
This would represent a dramatic change from the settled and warm weather over recent weeks which has brought the driest spring in more than a century.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: 'The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell.
'The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday.
'They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places.
'These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers.'
He said the bank holiday 'won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected', but the weekend will have a 'notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.'
Conditions are likely to remain unsettled into the half-term week, with 'rain, wind and around average temperatures in the forecast', according to the Met Office.
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