M25 drivers face Bank Holiday traffic jams

Drivers planning Bank Holiday getaways face extensive traffic, with the RAC predicting 20 million leisure car journeys across the UK. Friday, August 28, is anticipated to be the busiest day, with an estimated 4.1 million trips planned. This figure marks the highest number of Bank Holiday journeys recorded since the RAC began analysing travel patterns in 2015.

The RAC has labelled Friday, August 28, as "frantic Friday" due to the expected volume of traffic. Harriet Hernando, RAC breakdown spokesperson, advised drivers to consider setting off before 10am if possible. She also recommended carrying water, in anticipation of potential delays, especially if warm weather persists.

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Congestion Hotspots Identified

Transport analytics company Inrix has identified several routes likely to experience severe delays. The M25 anticlockwise, specifically the section between Junction 17 in Hertfordshire and Junction 12 in Surrey, is highlighted as a major congestion hotspot. Delays are also predicted on the M25 clockwise from Junction 15 in Buckinghamshire to Junction 19 in Hertfordshire.

Other routes expected to see significant traffic include the M5 southbound from Junction 15 near Bristol to Junction 23 in Somerset, the M1 southbound between Junction 16 in Northamptonshire and Junction 6 in Hertfordshire, and the M5 northbound from Junction 11 in Gloucestershire to Junction 1 in the West Midlands.

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Looking at the full Bank Holiday period, Saturday is forecast to see 3.8 million leisure trips, followed by 3.1 million on Sunday and 3.4 million on Monday. An additional 5.5 million journeys are expected to be spread across the four days by drivers yet to finalise their travel plans.

Impact of Fuel Costs and Vehicle Checks

Rising fuel prices are influencing travel decisions for some drivers. The RAC estimates that filling a 55-litre petrol car now costs approximately £89, an increase from £74 a year ago. A full tank of diesel is around £100, compared to £79 in August 2025. A survey by FindOutNow, which interviewed 2,939 UK drivers on August 17, found that 13 per cent have cancelled their Bank Holiday plans due to these higher costs. A further 8 per cent plan to travel but will reduce spending on accommodation and dining.

Breakdown recovery company Green Flag reported a 13 per cent rise in call-outs during the summer Bank Holiday weekend last year compared to the preceding weekend. The company has warned that drivers may be neglecting essential vehicle checks, such as tyre pressure and fluid levels, before undertaking long journeys.

Rail Disruption

While Network Rail has reduced engineering works for the Bank Holiday, some rail routes will still experience disruption. The East Coast Main Line will be closed between London King’s Cross and Peterborough on Sunday due to digital signalling work. Significant engineering works will also affect services between Stafford and Wolverhampton on Sunday, and in the Leeds area from Saturday through to Monday.

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and allow extra travel time to mitigate the impact of expected delays.