Today's weather and getaway traffic 'a recipe for road misery'

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “The combination of the remaining schools breaking up, the biggest flying day of the year and a typical British summer’s rainy day is a recipe for road misery today, as around two million cars bound for holiday take on normal commuter and business traffic.

“The heavy and persistent rain will make driving conditions challenging and there is a real risk that delays may lead to frustration behind the wheel. It is important all drivers, but particularly those desperate to get to their summer destinations, keep their cool so that their well-earned breaks don’t begin with an accident.

“On Saturday in excess of two million motorists will be setting off on their summer holidays. In order to avoid the inevitable jams on routes to the coast, such as the M5 to Devon and Cornwall, drivers should set off as early as they possibly can.”