• Major sporting events nationwide lead to pressure on the road network

RAC is predicting increased bank holiday congestion this weekend as fans travel across the country on one of the biggest sporting weekends of the year.

RAC estimate that up to 18 million cars will be on the road over the long weekend as fans travel to major events and the school half-term getaway gets underway, leading to a congested motorway network. Motorists are being advised to allow 50% more time for their journeys over the weekend.

The Football League final play-offs wrap up the domestic football season all weekend at Wembley Stadium and other major sporting events around the country include:

• Scottish FA Cup Final, Hampden Park, Glasgow (3pm Saturday)
• Rugby Union Heineken Cup Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (5pm Saturday)
• Ricky Hatton vs Juan Lazcano, IBO light-welterweight title fight, City of Manchester stadium (5pm Saturday)
• British Superbikes, Donington Park (Monday)
• England vs New Zealand cricket, second test, Old Trafford, Manchester (all weekend)

RAC's predicted key traffic hotspots over the weekend will be:

1. A406 North Circular Rd around Wembley Stadium, London (all weekend)
2. M4 and routes around Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Saturday)
3. A6010 and routes around City of Manchester Stadium (Saturday)
4. M1/A42 interchange at East Midlands Airport (Monday)

With the half term getaway also beginning, the organisation is also warning that if the weather is sunny, the main holiday routes* to be congested will include:

1. Routes to the west of England (M4, M5, A303)
2. Routes from Northern England to North Wales (M56, A55)
3. Routes to the Lake District (M6, A590)
4. Routes to Blackpool (M55)
5. Routes between the Midlands and Norfolk (A47)

Peak time for congestion on holiday routes is expected to be at 11am on Saturday as families drive to coastal destinations.

Iain Vale, RAC Patrol of the Year, says: "We're all desperately disappointed that none of the home nations are going to Euro 2008, but this weekend will be the start of many sports fans' summers. It's important for motorists to be aware of all the events which are on and to plan their routes around them, allowing 50% more time for their journey.

"This is also the weekend that RAC patrols really see traffic to holiday resorts pick up with the start of school's half term, and, if the sun shines, we'll be expecting heavy traffic as everyone makes a dash for the beaches. Recent RAC research has shown that people are more likely than ever to holiday in the UK this year so make sure you get away early to avoid the jams."

To help keep the UK moving on the roads, RAC recommends the following tips for motorists make the most of their bank holiday weekend:

• Plan your route in advance of your journey and have an alternative at the ready in case of delays. Check local radio stations or RAC Route planner 
• Allow extra time for your journey, especially if you are heading for a popular resort or you are travelling at peak times
• Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. Be aware that the stop/start actions of sitting in traffic jams use more fuel. RAC research shows that 64% of motorists do not know that £20 of petrol will only last an average of 130 miles.
• Checking oil and water levels and the pressure and condition of the tyres before setting off could help to prevent a breakdown

-ends-

Your local RAC patrol is available for interview on local road conditions over the bank holiday. Please get in touch with the RAC Press office to arrange your interview.  

RAC Press office contact:

Adam Cracknell 01603 684916/07800 699517, Amy Funston (020 7908 6433) or Louis Blake (020 7908 6523).

Notes to editors:
*According to Trafficmaster

About RAC

• With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists.  Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
• RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its members and has been ranked first for customer service by J.D. Power and Associates' UK Roadside Assistance Study for the past two years.
• Aviva bought RAC in May 2005.  The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15 per cent.