Overview
- The RAC estimated 14.1 million leisure journeys would take place over the weekend of July 17–19, naming Saturday as the peak day with about 3.8 million trips.
- Transport firm INRIX predicted long delays on key routes, including roughly 40 minutes on the M25 between junctions 15 and 19 and about 80 minutes on the M1 southbound between junctions 16 and 6.
- The Port of Dover urged ferry passengers not to arrive more than two hours before departure and warned that queues of thousands of vehicles could create serious health, safety and emergency‑access problems.
- The Met Office and fire and water agencies warned that very warm, dry conditions raise wildfire risk and strain reservoirs, and they advised travellers to carry water, allow extra journey time and follow local safety guidance.
- Traffic researchers said many jams will be 'phantom' stop‑start waves and advised drivers to keep safe following distances, brake and accelerate smoothly, avoid frequent lane changes and use pre‑booked parking or off‑peak travel to reduce delays.