Millions of drivers are expected to face long delays on major routes across the UK this August bank holiday period, with an estimated 17.6 million car trips anticipated.
The RAC, which issued the alert, urged drivers to depart as early as possible or “be prepared to spend longer in traffic” as congestion is expected to peak.
The South East and South West are predicted to experience some of the worst congestion.
Three million journeys are expected on Friday as drivers look to make the most of the last long weekend before Christmas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the RAC said.
This figure is projected to rise to 3.4 million on Saturday, before easing slightly to 2.4 million on Sunday and 2.7 million on Monday.
The RAC said an additional 6.1 million drivers are planning a leisure trip at some point between Friday and Monday.
The figures are based on responses to a survey of 2,080 UK adults, extrapolated to the 34 million cars licensed in the UK.
Transport analytics company Inrix predicted the M5 between Bristol and Devon will have the most severe getaway traffic, with the stretch from junction 15 north of Bristol to junction 23 for Bridgwater likely to see delays of more than 40 minutes on Friday and Saturday.
Hold-ups exceeding half an hour are forecast on Friday on the M20 in Kent, which is a route taken by a large proportion of vehicles making Channel crossings via Dover or Folkestone.
The warning relates to journeys from junction 7 near Maidstone to junction 3 (Addington Interchange), and from junction 1 at Swanley to junction 5 at Aylesford.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With this bank holiday being the last opportunity to enjoy a long weekend before Christmas, our study shows a real eagerness to get out and about with nearly 18 million drivers planning getaway trips.
“More traffic on the roads will inevitably lead to more vehicle breakdowns, especially if the sun makes an appearance and people decide on the day to visit popular destinations.
“We’re expecting major roads to airports and coastal destinations to be extremely busy, especially the south-east and south-west regions which could end up bearing the brunt of most holiday hold-ups.
“Anyone…
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