Britain is bracing for its busiest August bank holiday on the roads in nearly a decade, with severe delays anticipated on routes leading to popular events like the Leeds and Reading music festivals. Despite fewer overseas tourists, millions of Britons are expected to hit the roads for leisure, with an estimated 19.2 million car journeys forecast over the weekend, according to the RAC.
This figure marks the highest level of traffic since the RAC began tracking road data in 2015. Saturday, August 24, is set to be the peak day, with 3.7 million trips planned. A further 6.2 million journeys are expected across the remainder of the weekend, though many drivers are yet to decide exactly when they will travel. The majority of these outings are expected to be day trips.
Alice Simpson, a spokesperson for the RAC, advised travelers to plan ahead to avoid long queues. “Whether you’re heading to a festival, the coast, or meeting up with family, the advice is simple: leave early or be prepared for delays,” she said.
While domestic travel is on the rise, international visitors to the UK remain below pre-pandemic levels. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) reports that overseas visitor numbers are expected to be 5% lower than in 2019, despite a slight increase to 38.7 million compared to last year’s 38 million. Moreover, inflation-adjusted spending by tourists is down by 8% from 2019, equivalent to a £2.8 billion shortfall in revenues.
Post-Brexit travel restrictions, the elimination of tax-free shopping, and concerns over recent riots in the UK have all contributed to the drop in spending. Additionally, the rising costs of accommodation, dining, and airfares, coupled with a stronger pound, have made the UK a more expensive destination for many foreign travelers.
The Port of Dover is preparing for a busy weekend, with over 20,000 cars expected to pass through its harbour. Travelers are advised to anticipate delays due to reduced capacity at pre-border processing areas, part of ongoing preparations for a new EU entry-exit system set to debut in November.
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, urged travelers to follow the port’s guidelines to minimize congestion. “Please arrive no earlier than the two-hour window requested to ensure smoother processing,” he advised.
As Britons embrace their “day-trip crazy” bank holiday, the message is clear: patience and planning will be essential for a smooth getaway.