By Drivers warned of delays over jubilee bank holiday
Millions of drivers are expected to take to the road over the bank holiday weekend, but motorists are being warned to expect delays.
The RAC estimated there will be 19.5 million road trips between Wednesday and Sunday with queues on main routes, with Friday set to be the busiest as families return home from half-term break.
The warning comes after days of long queues at the Port of Dover, and London’s St Pancras station – home to Eurostar services.
RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis told the BBC: “The fact the bank holidays coincide with the end of half-term in many places has the potential to put some extra pressure on the road network.”
But he added, “many appear keen to keep their car journeys short, perhaps mixing a day trip or two with a Jubilee celebration at home”.
Traffic information supplier Inrix advised drivers to set off either before 06:00 or after 15:00 BST to avoid the worst of the hold-ups.
However, another RAC poll found that 37% of people said they will not be driving long distances over the weekend, with 11% sharing this is because of high fuel prices.
Network Rail normally carries out widespread engineering work during bank holidays, but nearly all major lines will remain open during the Jubilee celebrations.
Chief executive Andrew Haines said: “We know that demand will be high as people travel into the capital to celebrate this special occasion and our station staff will be on hand to welcome passengers and help them with their journeys.”
UK airports will also be busy with more than 10,000 flights departing between Thursday and Sunday, according to aviation data firm Cirium – a three-fold increase on the same period last year, when travel restrictions remained in place.
EasyJet and Tui have cancelled dozens of half-term flights over issues including air traffic restrictions and runway works.
A shortage of ground staff such as baggage handlers is said to be adding to the problems at UK airports but airports have stressed the hiring of ground crews is the responsibility of airlines themselves.
It comes as some ferry passengers at Dover told the BBC they had been stuck in traffic queues “for hours” on Sunday due to a lack of open French border control booths.
(Image: Reuters)
