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UK Summer Getaway: 14 Million Drivers Brace for Busiest Roads in 4 Years
13 Jul
Summary
- 14.1 million motorists expected on UK roads this summer weekend.
- Petrol costs have risen by £8.90 and diesel by £21.20 for a family car.
- EU's Entry Exit System is causing concern for UK travellers.
- Saturday is predicted to be the busiest travel day.
- South-west and north-west England likely to see most traffic.
Britain's roads are preparing for the busiest summer getaway in four years, as 14.1 million motorists are expected to embark on holiday or day trips. This surge follows the end of the school year for most in England and Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland already on break. Saturday is anticipated to be the peak travel day, with 3.8 million journeys planned.
Drivers will contend with substantially higher fuel prices than the previous year. A full tank for a 55-litre family car now costs £8.90 more for petrol and £21.20 more for diesel. This situation, coupled with concerns over flight disruptions and EU border delays, is leading many families to choose domestic holidays over overseas travel.
Potential congestion hotspots are anticipated, particularly in south-west and north-west England. The EU's Entry Exit System (EES), which requires fingerprint and photo registration for entry into the Schengen Area, is a significant concern. Despite widespread calls for its suspension during the peak season, the EU has rejected these, raising fears of further delays for UK travellers at ports and stations.
