As the Spring Bank Holiday weekend approaches, motorists across the UK are being cautioned to brace for significant delays on major roads, particularly the M25. A combination of increased holiday traffic, ongoing maintenance work, and recent accidents is expected to cause substantial congestion, impacting travel plans for millions.
M25 Disruptions Due to Accidents and Maintenance
The M25, encircling Greater London, is anticipated to be a major hotspot for traffic delays. A recent lorry crash between Junctions 10 (Wisley) and 9 (Leatherhead) resulted in a significant oil spill, leading to the closure of two lanes and causing over eight miles of congestion with delays exceeding 60 minutes . Emergency services are working to clear the spill and repair damaged barriers, but motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and expect extended travel times.
In addition to the accident, ongoing maintenance work continues to affect the M25. Notably, the Wisley Interchange (Junction 10) has been undergoing significant upgrades, leading to periodic closures and diversions. These works aim to improve traffic flow and safety but contribute to the current congestion .
Bank Holiday Traffic Surge
The RAC forecasts that approximately 17.9 million leisure trips will be made by car over the bank holiday weekend, with Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, expected to be the busiest days, each seeing around 3.4 million journeys . The M25 is predicted to experience severe delays, especially near the Dartford Crossing and between Junctions 6 and 10. On Friday, the anticlockwise stretch from Junction 4 to Junction 1 may see lunchtime journeys delayed by more than 45 minutes, while the section between Cobham services (Junction 10) and Clacket Lane services (Junction 6) could face 35-minute delays during the evening rush hour .
Other Major Routes Facing Congestion
Beyond the M25, several other major routes are expected to be heavily congested:
- M5 Southbound: Particularly between Junctions 15 (Almondsbury Interchange) and 23 (Bridgwater), with delays anticipated during peak travel times .
- A30 and A303: These routes towards the West Country, including areas like Okehampton and Stonehenge, are expected to experience hold-ups of up to 55 minutes on Saturday .
- Dartford Crossing: Maintenance work and high traffic volumes may lead to additional delays, especially during overnight closures .
Motorists planning to travel on these routes should consider alternative paths or adjust their travel times to avoid peak congestion periods.
Tips for Motorists to Mitigate Delays
To minimize the impact of the anticipated delays, drivers are advised to:
- Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Early mornings or late evenings are generally less congested. For instance, on Friday, May 23, the best times to travel are before 2pm, while on Saturday, May 24, traveling after 5pm is recommended .
- Prepare Vehicles: Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition by checking oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure, and tread depth. Carrying essentials like water, food, a first aid kit, and emergency tools can be beneficial in case of unexpected delays.
- Stay Informed: Use real-time traffic apps and listen to local traffic reports to stay updated on road conditions and potential delays.
- Plan Alternative Routes: Familiarize yourself with alternative routes to your destination in case of unexpected closures or severe congestion on your planned path.
By taking these precautions, motorists can better navigate the challenges of the bank holiday weekend and reduce the stress associated with heavy traffic.
FAQs:
- What are the worst times to travel during the bank holiday weekend?
- The busiest times are expected to be Friday, May 23, from 10am to 8pm, and Saturday, May 24, from 9am to 4pm. Traveling outside these hours is advisable.
- Which routes are most affected by the expected delays?
- The M25, especially near the Dartford Crossing and between Junctions 6 and 10, the M5 southbound between Junctions 15 and 23, and the A30 and A303 towards the West Country are anticipated to experience significant congestion.
- Are there any specific incidents contributing to the delays on the M25?
- Yes, a recent lorry crash between Junctions 10 and 9 caused an oil spill, leading to lane closures and extended delays.
- How can I stay updated on traffic conditions?
- Utilize traffic apps, local radio traffic reports, and official sources like National Highways for real-time updates.
- What precautions should I take before embarking on my journey?
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, carry essential supplies, plan your route in advance, and consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the congestion.
