Alice Simpson of the RAC says: “Our research suggests this year’s getaway is set to be busier than average, possibly due to the UK inflation rate having slowed, giving people a bit more confidence to spend. 

“However, with our recent bad weather causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues for major airports should not be underestimated.”

Here is everything you need to know if you are hitting the roads this weekend…

Which motorways are worst for traffic?

Data supplied to the RAC by Inrix, a developer of transport analytics software, shows that the following areas could be pinch points over the weekend:

• Delays at the Chiswell Interchange near St Albans southbound to Gatwick Airport
• The A303 eastbound between Ilminster and Andover, en route to Southampton and Portsmouth (for ferries to the Isle of Wight)
• The M5 southbound between J15 (the M4 and M5 interchange near Bristol) and J23 for Bridgwater, as drivers make their way to Devon and Cornwall.

Drivers have also been advised to leave extra time if travelling on the M25 to airports or to the Port of Dover. National Highways has a helpful page which gives live traffic updates.

What is the best time to leave home?

The worst time to be on the road is during the middle of the day (between 10am and 2pm), and the best time to hit the road is after 5pm.

Simpson says: “If you can’t set off really early, then it’s highly likely you’ll be sitting in traffic for quite some time.”

Frank Bird, the senior network planner at National Highways, says: “When I travel to see the folks in Scotland, I’m on the road for 4.45am – so travel from Birmingham to the border by 8am. Then [I take a] 20-minute break and get back underway – then in Arbroath for 11.30am and having a fish supper at noon on the harbour.”

How much should I be paying for petrol?

According to Confused.com, the average cost of petrol on July 26 2024 is 144.9p. The lowest amount is 100.9p and the highest is 172.9p. For diesel, the average price is 150p, the lowest is 105.9p and the highest is 181.9p. Bear these figures in mind when choosing your petrol station.