UK drivers set for traffic and breakdown chaos as 25 million motorists prepare to hit roads

Millions of drivers are set to hit the road over the coming bank holiday weekend, which could lead to traffic chaos nationwide.

Fresh estimates suggest that up to 25 million motorists could hit the road this August bank holiday, with almost three-quarters of UK drivers planning at least one journey.

Saturday (August 29) is expected to be the busiest day over the long weekend, as up to 9.2 million motorists could hit the road.

Bank holiday Monday (August 31) is expected to be the quietest day over the weekend, with just 10 per cent planning to travel.

Almost half (47 per cent) of surveyed drivers said they would be making shorter journeys, while 33 per cent are planning to make at least one long-distance drive of more than two hours.

The data, from Green Flag, suggests that the period will be busy as families, holidaymakers and day-trippers make the most of the final days of the summer holidays.

Most drivers will be using the UK's expansive network of motorways, in addition to major A roads (42 per cent), rural roads (28 per cent) and coastal routes (20 per cent).

Despite millions of people planning to get away, many motorists are concerned about what they will have to deal with when they set off.

Heavy traffic and congestion, which is likely in many popular areas across the UK, was identified as the biggest concern ahead of the long weekend for 52 per cent of travellers.

Other concerns included Roadworks (34 per cent), road accidents (25 per cent) and vehicle breakdowns (18 per cent).

Data from Green Flag shows that its teams attended more than 3,600 callouts over the August bank holiday last year.

The leading cause of breakdowns was found to be flat or faulty batteries, which accounted for a concerning 20 per cent of incidents.

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Motorists also faced breakdown concerns with clutch-related issues (seven per cent) and engine problems (six per cent).

Damon Jowett, head of customer roadside and network services at Green Flag, said: "The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, with millions of drivers expected to hit the road to make the most of the long weekend by visiting friends and family, enjoying days out or taking a short staycation.

"With so many people on the move, carrying out a few basic vehicle checks before setting off can help reduce the risk of disruption.

"Batteries remain the leading cause of Bank Holiday breakdowns, but some issues can often be identified before a journey begins."

The expert urged motorists to conduct basic checks to their vehicles, namely tyre pressure, tread depth and fluid levels, adding that they make journeys "run more smoothly".

It follows further data from Green Flag that identified four per cent of drivers who said they would not conduct any vehicle checks before a long-distance journey.

More than five million drivers have encountered an issue with their vehicle in the last 12 months alone.

"Should the unexpected happen, Green Flag's nationwide rescue network is on hand to help motorists get back on the road as quickly as possible," Mr Jowett said.