Overview
- The RAC forecasts 14.1 million leisure trips between Friday and Sunday, with Saturday the peak day at about 3.8 million journeys and Friday and Sunday each around 3.4 million.
- Traffic analytics firm Inrix and national reports identify likely motorway hotspots including the M1 (J16–J6), the M25 (J15–J19 and J17–J12), the M60 (J7–J18) and the M4 westbound (J22–J35).
- The EU’s Entry/Exit System, which requires fingerprints and photos for non‑EU arrivals, is creating queue risks at Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras and the EU has refused calls to suspend it; France will deploy extra border guards on UK soil and UK ministers have agreed an extra £20m on top of £10.5m for more booths and equipment.
- Higher fuel costs are encouraging staycations and adding pressure to roads with filling a 55‑litre petrol car costing about £8.90 more than a year ago and diesel about £21.20 more, shifting demand from overseas travel to UK destinations.
- RAC advice warns drivers to plan journeys, carry water and sun protection and check vehicles for heat-related faults such as tyres, batteries and overheating as the heatwave raises the risk of longer breakdowns and delays that could spill into ferry and Channel services.