Swindon Roads to be 'UK's most congested' on bank holiday

With millions of drivers set to embark on bank holiday getaways this August, roads in the South West are predicted to be some of the most congested.

The RAC is now urging drivers to set off as early as possible or “be prepared to spend longer in traffic," particularly those travelling in the Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon areas.

The breakdown company says it expects 17.6 million getaway trips by car to take place in the UK between Friday, August 22 and bank holiday Monday, August 24.

For Swindon motorists travelling west, transport analytics company Inrix predicts the M5 between Bristol and Devon will have the most severe traffic out of every road in the UK.

The stretch from junction 15 north of Bristol to junction 23 for Bridgwater is likely to see delays of more than 40 minutes on Friday and Saturday.

Delays are also expected on the M4 through Wiltshire heading towards the M5 at Bristol.

Motorways in the South West are set to see the most traffic (Image: Stock) 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 planning routes through these areas should set off as early as possible or be prepared to spend longer in traffic.”

On the rail network, industrial action means CrossCountry will have no services on Saturday, significant disruption on Sunday and a reduced timetable on Monday.

Rail users travelling towards London, Birmingham or Peterborough will see delays (Image: Newsquest) Passengers are advised not to travel on Saturday and to travel on either side of the bank holiday weekend, or claim a full refund.

Union sources said the dispute centres on claims that CrossCountry has failed to honour agreements on staffing, safety and pay.

Engineering work by Network Rail means there will be no long-distance services between London King’s Cross and Peterborough on Sunday, disrupting Anglo-Scottish journeys by LNER and Lumo on the East Coast Main Line.

Avanti West Coast will operate a reduced service to and from London Euston, with their trains between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International being diverted, adding extra time to journeys.

CrossCountry services will also be diverted, extending journey times, while London Northwestern services will run to and from Birmingham International only.

Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s chief network operator, said the “vast majority of the railway will be running” but “works on some parts of the network are unfortunately unavoidable”.