Record number of summer journeys expected

As schools break for summer, nearly 14 million journeys are expected this week.

Record summer journeys signal a busy travel week

Motorists in Britain are preparing for an unprecedented surge in travel as nearly 14 million journeys are anticipated between today and Thursday, coinciding with the start of the summer holiday for most schools in England. The RAC forecasts that today alone will see 2.3 million trips, with similar numbers expected on the following days. This increase represents a shift in travel patterns, as more families choose to embark on vacations during the week rather than waiting for the weekend. Commuters are already warned of heavy delays on key routes, with a notable uptick of traffic expected on what has been labeled 'midweek mayhem.' Important routes, including sections of the M1 and M25, may experience significant hold-ups as early as tomorrow and continuing into the weekend, when another 2.7 million journeys are planned for Friday and a peak of 3 million on Saturday.

The spike in midweek travel indicates a changing trend among British families. Traditionally, holiday traffic peaks on Fridays, but this year, the RAC emphasizes the importance of flexible travel schedules. The spread of trips across the week may relieve some congestion, though it raises new challenges for commuters. The shift also highlights increasing public interest in utilizing weekdays for travel, suggesting potential impacts on leisure activities and local economies. It's a wake-up call for authorities to prepare for midweek traffic management as travel patterns evolve, particularly as families adapt to potential weather variations throughout the week.

Highlights

As travel patterns adjust, policy makers must be ready to address the challenges of increased midweek traffic.