21 May 2024
The Late Spring Bank Holiday will see 19.75 million (59%) of drivers venturing out*, making Sunday 26th May the busiest day of the holiday period, according to a new AA/Yonder** survey. The overwhelming majority are yet to decide on their destination, however, coastal destinations and theme parks are expected to be very busy.
Bank Holiday Monday will be slightly quieter but, with more than 18 million cars on the road, it will be busier than a normal Monday.
After a warm and sunny Early May Bank Holiday, the weather looks set to return to being unsettled with showers predicted in the south and drier conditions in the north.
Temperatures are expected to be a little warmer than the average for the time of year.
Routes to popular attractions including Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, and coastal areas including the South West will see extra traffic on them. These will include the M5, M6, M25, A50, A303 and A30. Drivers should make sure they have enough fuel or electrical charge in their vehicle.
“Take 10 minutes to check your oil, coolant, and windscreen wash levels. Make sure you know where you can refuel or recharge. Be prepared for any traffic jams by packing plenty of snacks, drinks and any time dependant medication.”
Football fans are advised to check their routes if they are travelling to either the FA Cup Final (on Saturday) or the Championship play-off on Sunday with routes towards Wembley from the north (including the M1 and M6) and from the south including the M3 expected to be busier than usual.
Checking on parking advice from tourist information or the websites of specific locations before setting off can ease some of the headache. In worst case scenarios, desperate visitors who can’t find a parking space and a take a chance by parking illegally risk having their vehicles towed away.
Major road works already in place along motorways and major A-roads will remain in situ with any speed limits in place set to continue, so drivers are advised to check routes before setting off. You may find it useful to have to an atlas to hand in case your satnav fails to pick up diversionary routes.
Fuel Costs
AA analysis of pump price data provided to the CMA at the start of last week shows that drivers heading to the West Country on the A303 can save on average 16.8p a litre on petrol and 16.2p a litre on diesel when compared to the M4 and M5 prices.
“The calculation drivers will now have to make is whether to take the faster motorway routes and put up with the higher fuel costs or head down the A-roads and save £9 to £10 a tank at the pumps.”
However, along the A303, petrol can be found as low as 143.7p a litre at the Solstice service area near Amesbury with diesel as cheap as 151.7p.
Vehicle Checks
As this Bank Holiday coincides with the half-term holidays, it’s the first chance many will have to take the opportunity for a week away and it’s also the first chance for many to take to the road with a motorhome or caravan this year. It’s really important to not only check your car but also any lesser-used vehicles such as camping trailers or show vehicles as these are more likely to have tyre defects after being stored over the winter months.
This is a popular weekend for cyclists and motorcyclists to be out on the roads, make sure your all-round vision is clear by packing travel items safely in your vehicle. Similarly, when packing caravans or motorhomes it’s important to distribute the weight evenly.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “Before setting off on any excursion make sure your vehicle is prepared. Take 10 minutes to check your oil, coolant, and windscreen wash levels. Make sure you know where you can refuel or recharge. Be prepared for any traffic jams by packing plenty of snacks, drinks and any time dependant medication.
“Check your tyre pressures – do this when the tyres are cold and don’t forget to check the tread – including the spare if your vehicle has one. If your vehicle doesn’t carry a spare wheel, it can be useful to plan ahead by making a note of your vehicle's tyre sizes and keeping it in a safe place in case you need to pass this information on to a tyre provider.
“Importantly make sure you’re make sure you’re fit, ready and awake. Don’t drive whilst tired and make sure that if you start to feel tired stop and take a break.
“If you breakdown, AA members can download the free AA app This is quickest way to report a breakdown and it will get one of our experts to you quicker.”
Luke Bosdet, the AA’s spokesman on pump prices said:“It won’t be a surprise to holiday drivers that fuel on A roads will be cheaper than on motorways. However, thanks to the Government’s and CMA’s initial moves towards UK pump price transparency, motorists are now beginning to be see where the savings can be made along the way.
“The calculation drivers will now have to make is whether to take the faster motorway routes and put up with the higher fuel costs or head down the A-roads and save £9 to £10 a tank at the pumps.”
*Comparative figures with the number of registered vehicles in the UK
** Yonder received 12,707 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 18th March 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
South East to West Country – motorway pump prices
Average pump prices: petrol 167.6 p/ltr, diesel 175.0 p/ltr
AA Fuel Price Tracker – M4
Heston (Jncs 2-3): Petrol 172.9 p/ltr, Diesel 179.9 p/ltr
Reading (Jncs 11-12): Petrol 172.9 p/ltr, Diesel 179.9 p/ltr
Chieveley (Jnc 13): Petrol 172.9 p/ltr, Diesel 179.9 p/ltr
Leigh Delamere (Jncs 17-18): Petrol 157.9 p/ltr, Diesel 164.9 p/ltr
AA Fuel Price Tracker – M5
Bridgwater (Jnc 24): Petrol 172.9 p/ltr, Diesel 179.9 p/ltr
Taunton Deane (Jncs 25-26): Petrol 173.9 p/ltr, Diesel 183.9 p/lt
Tiverton (Jnc 27): Petrol 154.9 p/ltr, Diesel 161.9 p/ltr
Cullompton (Jnc 28): Petrol 156.9 p/ltr, Diesel 164.9 p/lt
Exeter (Jnc 30): Petrol 172.9 p/ltr, Diesel 179.9 p/ltr
South East to West Country – A-road pump prices
AA Fuel Price Tracker – A303
Average pump prices: petrol 150.8 p/ltr, diesel 158.8 p/ltr
Popham w/bound: Petrol 152.9 p/ltr, Diesel 159.9 p/ltr
The Buck e/bound (east of Andover): Petrol 147.9 p/ltr, Diesel 159.9 p/ltr
Weyhill (west of Andover): Petrol 151.7 p/ltr, Diesel 159.7 p/ltr
Solstice (nr Amesbury): Petrol 143.7 p/ltr, Diesel 151.7 p/ltr
Countess (nr Amesbury): Petrol 153.9 p/ltr, Diesel 164.9 p/ltr
Willoughby Hedge w/bound (west of A350 jnc): Petrol 152.7 p/ltr, Diesel 160.7 p/ltr
Hazelgrove: Petrol 154.9 p/ltr, Diesel 159.9 p/ltr
Podimore : Petrol 149.9 p/ltr, Diesel 156.9 p/ltr
Cartgate Garage w/bound (west of Cartgate picnic area): Petrol 149.9 p/ltr, Diesel 156.9 p/ltr
Ilminster (off A358 to Donyatt) ): Petrol 151.9 p/ltr, Diesel 158.9 p/ltr
Honiton: Petrol 149.9 p/ltr, Diesel 156.9 p/ltr