​14.5 million to take to the road this coming weekend to see friends and family

The UK’s motorways and major A roads will heave under an extra weight of traffic this coming weekend as 14.5 million of us* get in our cars to take advantage of the early May bank holiday.

‘Peak car’ is predicted for Friday 1 May when some 4 million people will take to the road to see friends and family for the long weekend – and with it being a normal working day for many the evening rush hour is expected to be especially busy with commuter and extra leisure traffic sharing the roads.

But despite the weekend marking the start of May and longer days, those getting away for the weekend shouldn’t expect wall-to-wall sunshine – the current weather forecast looks mixed, with little indication of a return to the settled and summer-like conditions enjoyed by much of the UK earlier in April.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said: “Our data shows that many motorists look set to make the most of the coming long weekend by grabbing the car keys and taking to the road to visit friends and family. While the weather forecast might not hold too much promise, we’re now into the time of year when days are longer and, when the sun does put in an appearance, it should feel pleasantly warm.

“As is typically the case, the Friday before the bank holiday looks set to be the most hectic day – so we’re advising motorists who can set off early to do so to get ahead of the rest. And when you are on the road, watch out for those snap springtime showers that can quickly reduce both your view of the road ahead and the grip of your car’s tyres.”

To help plan a journey, download the free RAC App for iPhone or Android smartphones or visit the RAC website to use RAC Route Planner, which gives the most up to date road information available including incidents and ongoing roadworks.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

* Figure covers expected traffic car volumes from Friday 1 May to Monday 4 May 2015 inclusive. Research conducted by Ragdoll in April 2015 with 1,315 motorists as respondents; figure extrapolated to 29.1m licensed cars.

Figures for other days: Saturday 2 May – 3.8 million; Sunday 3 May – 3.2 million; Monday 4 May – 3.5 million.