22 August 2024
With the final bank holiday of the year predicted to be unsettled as rain spreads from the west, more people are staying local this August Bank Holiday.
According to an AA survey*, over 14 million** of us will be on the roads on the busiest day – Friday 23rd August but three-quarters of those will be travelling under 50 miles, with only just over 10% expecting to travel up to 100 miles. The quietest day will be Sunday, but still over a third of drivers will be on the roads.
The AA is predicting main routes in and around major towns and cities to be busy especially as one in three will be commuting for work. Other people told us they plan to go shopping or visit family and friends locally.
"As this is the final bank holiday before Christmas, roads are likely to busier than usual. A few simple checks could stop car trouble from ruining your plans."
However, a third don’t expect to drive on any of the days across the bank holiday weekend. Of those who are planning to drive, only 7% are planning a trip to the coast over the weekend, and just under 10% a long weekend away.
Petrol Solace at Solstice
For the first time this summer, petrol on a major holiday route has been recorded at below 140p a litre. Data supplied to the Competition and Markets Authority voluntary pump price scheme shows that drivers can fill up east of Stonehenge on the A303 at a cost of 138.7p a litre. The forecourt at the Solstice service area, along the busy route to and from the West Country, is selling the fuel at 40p less than at most motorway service areas.
Between 16 July and 19 August, UK average pump prices have fallen from just over 145p a litre for petrol and 150p a litre for diesel to 142p and 147p respectively. That is around a 3p drop for both petrol and diesel.
Roadworks Relief: M1 drivers get a break this bank holiday
There is some good news for drivers using the M1 this bank holiday, National Highways are lifting some of the roadworks in progress over the long holiday weekend. Sections of works around Hemel Hempstead, Northampton, Leicestershire and Mansfield will be suspended over the period. Other routes with lifted works include stretches of the A1 and M11.
Other stretches of roadworks are expected to remain in situ with their associated variable speed limits. Whilst there might not be visible signs of work in progress, avoid a fine and points on your license by staying alert to the restrictions.
Last year during the Bank Holiday period (25-29 August), The AA attended nearly 41,500 callouts - that’s around 10% of our summer total. Almost 5% of these were on motorways, and one-fifth were Homestart callouts. The top three breakdowns were caused by tyres, the 12 volt battery and engine problems. Clutch issues are also in the top 5 – caused by stop-start traffic and vehicles being overloaded could cause clutch issues.
If you breakdown and need assistance, contacting us using The AA app is twice as quick as calling us. To help locate yourself accurately use What3Words - it has the world divided into 3 metre squares and has given each one a unique identifier made from three words. What3words is free to download from your Appstore.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “As this is the final bank holiday before Christmas, roads are likely to busier than usual. A few simple checks could stop car trouble from ruining your plans.
“Most garages are likely to be closed over the long weekend so take some time to check your vehicle before setting off. Checking your oil, coolant and windscreen wash levels will only take 10 minutes and could help avoid a preventable breakdown. One of our most common callouts is for tyre issues so checking your tyre pressure and your spare if you have one is advised.
“Planning your route and knowing where you can fill up with fuel or electrical charge will also help you to factor in breaks and prevent you driving whilst tired.”
* Yonder received 11,235 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 12th to 19th August 2024 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
** Comparative figures with the number of registered vehicles in the UK