Holidaymakers are warned of long delays expected on roads as families flee to the sun

The RAC says the number of people heading away is expected to get back to pre-pandemic levels, and forecasts 12.6 million car journeys will be made this weekend

Drivers are likely to face long delays as millions look to get away for a summer break.

The RAC says the number of people heading away is expected to get back to pre-pandemic levels.

It forecasts 12.6 million car journeys will be made for a day trip or holiday this weekend, as schools close for summer. Analytics firm Inrix said traffic hotspots will include the M5 south from near Bristol to Bridgwater, a key route to access the South West.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “There’s no doubting the UK remains an ever-popular holiday destination, with millions of drivers expected to take to the roads.”

Queues are also expected at the Port of Dover, with 6,000 vehicles arriving yesterday and predicted to arrive today. Bosses warned passengers to expect a wait of up to two-and-a-half hours.

View Image

However, they urged holidaymakers to not arrive more than three hours in advance of their ferry.

Over the Easter break, thousands of travellers were delayed at the Port, for up to 14 hours.

However Karen Baurdoux, from ferry operator DFDS, said she is “quietly confident” this weekend will be a success.

She said: “At Easter, the issues were caused by a high amount of coaches. What we’ve done since then is have a ­separate processing place for the coaches, which is a little further down the road, to avoid the Port getting very congested.”

ABTA said more than two million British families will be heading overseas this weekend, with today expected to be busiest day.

Around 850,000 passengers are set to depart from Heathrow in the first week of the holidays.

A strike by 600 staff at Gatwick from July 28 to August 1, has been suspended following an improved pay offer.

But action by 450 other airport workers is still due to go ahead, possibly affecting various airlines.

Scorching tem­­peratures in the high 30s and low 40s are expected to continue in many areas of Europe.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, advised: “We’re encouraging people to have a fun and safe holiday by taking sensible precautions if you’re heading to an area with exceptionally high temperatures, and taking particular care in the water.”