The RAC is warning this summer will see “unprecedented” levels of traffic on UK roads due to drivers planning in excess of an estimated 29 million holidays in this country, with – 16 million of these in the school holidays alone.
RAC Breakdown surveyed 2,500 drivers and found the number making firm UK bookings has surged 20% since April, with, not surprisingly, the West Country receiving the largest numbers of holidaymakers (30%), followed by Scotland (14%), Yorkshire (8%), the Lake District (6%) and East Anglia (6%).
It warns the prospect of lengthy bumper-to-bumper queues on major routes – and a spike in breakdowns – has now shot up. The RAC is therefore urging drivers to make sure their cars – and anything they might be towing – are ‘road ready’ or risk a breakdown during what could turn out to be one of the busiest summers on the roads in years. “Quickly checking a car’s tyres, oil, coolant and even fuel levels before setting off makes the difference between a smooth journey and one blighted by a breakdown,” it says. “Drivers should also check traffic conditions before setting out and avoid travelling on the busiest roads during the busiest periods.”
“With the school summer holidays just days away, a second ‘staycation summer’ in a row now looks like a certainty and will mean millions of us relying on our cars to get us wherever we want to go,” said Rod Dennis from RAC Breakdown. “Our research shows that while most people have already made their plans, if – as expected – travel restrictions limit the numbers taking foreign holidays, then those booking last-minute trips in the UK will likely soar, adding to what we expect to already be an extremely busy summer on the roads.”
(Picture – Yay Images)
