Press release -
Planning to see family or friends this bank holiday weekend? You’ll be joining 20 million other motorists on the roads
The unpredictable weather isn’t going to be enough to put off the nation from taking advantage of the forthcoming bank holiday with new figures from the RAC indicating more than two-thirds (70%) of the UK’s driving population – that’s some 20 million of us* – are planning on getting away to see friends or family.
Bank Holiday Monday – which marks the start of half term for many schools up and down the country – is set to be busiest with 4 million of us taking to the roads, with Saturday expected to be almost as busy with 3.8 million people on the move. In an effort to beat the inevitable queues on major routes, 3.2 million of us are planning on making a journey this Friday.
The RAC is advising motorists to allow plenty of time for their journeys – although there is some consolation with news that Highways England will be suspending or removing nearly 400 miles of roadworks in time for the weekend.
The motoring organisation recommends drivers seeking to get ahead of the crowds on the roads try to travel early on Friday or Saturday mornings, and do their best to avoid the peak travel times of this Friday after 4pm and Bank Holiday Monday between 12pm and 5pm.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Drivers will be grateful that the threat of a major rail strike this coming Monday is over, but we're still expecting the roads to be busy - with things peaking on bank holiday Monday itself.
“If you’re planning a long journey, we advise doing a few quick ‘pre-drive’ checks – so make sure your tyres are properly inflated, coolant and screenwash are topped up, and have a fully-charged mobile phone to hand in case you are unfortunate enough to break down. Pack enough drinks, snacks and games if you’re travelling with family too to keep everyone happy and reduce the chances of any ‘carguments’.”
To help plan your journey and keep up to date with traffic conditions, incidents and roadworks, download the RAC App for iPhone or Android, or use the RAC’s Route Planner. Alternatively, you can use the RAC traffic line by calling 64644 from a mobile phone.
ENDS
* Figure covers expected traffic car volumes from Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May 2015 inclusive. Research conducted by Ragdoll in May 2015 with 1,750 motorists as respondents; figure extrapolated to 29.1m licensed cars.
About RAC
With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring survey, now in its 25th year, provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices visit our Fuel Prices Explained pages – www.rac.co.uk/advice/fuel-prices-explained. Here we detail the average UK price of petrol and diesel and give an indication of which way prices are likely to go – up or down – over the next couple of weeks based on the wholesale price. You can also discover more about the fuel industry, what affects UK fuel prices, how they compare those in Europe, how motorists are taxed and top-tips for better fuel economy.
The RAC supports FairFuelUK campaigning for fairer taxes on petrol and diesel. Show support and find out more at www.fairfueluk.com.
Key facts:
- RAC patrols fix four out of five vehicles at the roadside and on average within 34 minutes
- RAC vans carry more than 500 parts and tools to get members’ vehicles going again
- 98% of members would recommend RAC Rescue to their friends and family
RAC press releases, news alerts and a wealth of motoring research is available from www.rac.co.uk/press-centre/.
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Notes to Editors
About the RAC
First formed in 1897, the RAC has been looking after the needs of its members and championing the interests of drivers for more than 120 years.
Today it has more than eight million members and is one of the UK’s most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK drivers at a national level. This includes voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring, particularly the price of fuel and the high level of tax levied on it, advancing levels of road safety, and supporting the needs of all drivers, from young to old.
The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – is one of a kind and provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch. It provides a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump - and tracks these prices daily to help drivers check if the price they pay to fill up is a fair one.
