What's happened
The UK is set for its busiest August bank holiday weekend in nearly a decade, with 19.2 million leisure trips expected. Severe traffic congestion is anticipated, particularly towards music festivals, while airports and rail services also brace for high passenger volumes and disruptions due to engineering works.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the RAC, this weekend is projected to see 19.2 million leisure journeys, the highest since 2015, as reported by The Guardian. The Independent notes that the M5 will be one of the worst roads for delays, with significant tailbacks already reported. Metro emphasizes that both road and rail services will face disruptions, urging travelers to plan accordingly. BBC News corroborates these findings, detailing the expected congestion and advising on peak travel times. The overall sentiment across sources indicates a mix of excitement for travel and caution regarding potential delays.
How we got here
The surge in travel is attributed to the end of school holidays and a desire for summer getaways. The RAC predicts this weekend will see the highest number of leisure journeys since 2015, with many opting for day trips.
More on these topics