RAC is predicting heavy congestion this bank holiday weekend as music fans set off across the country during one of the busiest festival periods of the summer.
- Festivals across the UK to drive queues
RAC is predicting heavy congestion this bank holiday weekend as music fans set off across the country during one of the busiest festival periods of the summer.
RAC warns that Friday morning will be the busiest time, as the last week of the summer holidays and a hectic music festival schedule combine to cause congestion on the roads. And with advance ticket offers for the weekend period being withdrawn on some intercity train routes, many will have no option but to join the rush to avoid forking out hundreds of pounds to reach their destination.
Rail engineering works are once again set to disrupt journeys on the west coast and midland mainlines. With less choice for transport more people are expected to reach for their car keys this bank holiday weekend and RAC is advising motorists to allow 50% more time for their journeys.
Festivals include:
- Carling Weekend: Reading & Leeds (22-24 August)
- Notting Hill Carnival, London (23-25 August)
- Creamfields, Liverpool (23-24 August)
- Manchester Pride (finishes 25 August)
- Get Loaded in the Park, Clapham, London (24 August)
- Solfest, Cumbria (22-24 August)
- Carlisle Live, Cumbria (23 - 24 August)
- Mathew Street Music Festival, Liverpool (24 - 25 August)
As a result, congestion hotspots are expected to be on the A64 in Leeds and A329 in Reading, and the A56 and M56 near Liverpool.
With mixed weather and heavy showers expected for the weekend*, festival goers will be watching the forecasts obsessively but need to ensure they take time to plan their routes too. According to RAC research**, nearly two thirds (65%) of British festival goers admit to getting lost driving to these events, with the average reveller travelling 13.5 miles in the wrong direction. Over a quarter (27%) has also fought with their partner as they got lost en-route. To avoid arguments and combat congestion RAC recommends planning an alternative route in advance of a trip.
As the school summer holidays draw to a close many families will capitalise on their last chance to get a weekend away, causing congestion on the main holiday routes:***
- Routes to the west of England (M4, M5, A303)
- Routes from Northern England to North Wales (M56, A55)
- Routes to the Lake District (M6, A590)
- Routes to Blackpool (M55)
- Routes between the Midlands and Norfolk (A47)
Iain Vale, RAC patrol of the year, says: "Understandably as the school holidays draw to a close, families use the opportunity to get their last bit of summer sun at the coast.
"This year, with a cooler summer having scuppered many families' UK beach holiday plans, we're expecting a real rush around the bank holiday, and this combined with the music festivals means RAC patrols are gearing up for a busy time."
This is the last bank holiday before Christmas and to make the most of it drivers need to leave plenty of time for their journeys, and, where possible, avoid the Friday rush."
To help keep the UK roads moving, RAC recommends:
- 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 at www.rac.co.uk
- 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 jam use more fuel. RAC research shows that 64% of motorists do not know that £20 of petrol will only last an average of 120 miles.****
- Take advantage of any available price cuts. Recent RAC findings***** show that motorway fuel prices currently average 10p per litre more than nearby supermarket forecourts.
- Checking oil and water levels and the pressure and condition of the tyres before setting off could help to prevent a breakdown.
-ends-
RAC patrols are available for interview.
RAC Press office contacts:
Vicki Burn on 01603 684224/07800 692909, Lucy Haughey on 01603 688891/07800 690149, Amy Funston on 020 7908 6433 or Louis Blake on 020 7908 6523.
Notes to editors:
* According to NetWeather.tv
** RAC commissioned Redshift to carry out research in June 2008, among 1008 motorists who have attended a festival in the last five years
*** Hotspots provided by Trafficmaster
**** Average litre of petrol costs 113.5p/litre. Average vehicle mpg (according to DfT) = 31mpg. 1 gallon = 4.5454 litres. 1 mile takes 0.147 litres. 0.147 x113.5 = 16.7p/mile. £20/16.7p = 119.8 miles.
***** Figures are based on research carried out on 6 August 08 on seven motorway services and four off-road supermarkets between junctions 2 and 21 of the M1.
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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.
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