The annual Summer Bank Holiday rush sees commuters up and down the country caught in traffic jams and gridlock. ALA GAP Insurance has produced a Summer Bank Holiday Traffic Guide, laying out a few simple precautions to help avoid the worst of Britain’s roads.
Summer Bank Holiday Driving Tips
We all know the British Isles can sometimes be a washout, but if the sun does choose to make an appearance, soaring summer temperatures may create difficult conditions for driving. To help, we recommend carrying out the following checks.
- Glare from the sun can caused a driver’s vision to be impaired and risks causing an accident. Replacing worn wipers, keeping your windscreen clean and wearing polarised sunglasses can help to reduce glare
Hay fever sufferers also need to take precautions and should check:
- That medication doesn’t cause drowsiness
- Windows and air vents are closed to stop pollen being blown into the car
- Car mats and carpets are cleaned regularly
- There are tissues within easy reach
- In very bad cases, that someone else can drive
The hot summer weather can cause difficulties for cooling systems. That’s why it’s important to check the car’s coolant and cooling system before heading out on a long journey.
Summer Bank Holiday pre-travel checks
To ensure your summer holiday weekend drive goes without a hitch, planning ahead is essential. Allowing extra time to travel, planning alternative routes and choosing quieter roads at peak times or busy roads at quieter times can all help to save you time and fuel. It is important to carry out a few pre-travel checks to ensure your car will run properly:
- Tyre pressures, condition and tread depth are safe and legal
- Car lights, inside and out, are all working
- You have enough fuel for your trip
- Don’t overload your car boot and roof box
- Oil coolant and windscreen washer fluid levels are topped up
If buying a motorhome this summer, please consider ALA Motorhome GAP Insurance.
Busiest roads in the UK this summer
The summer bank holiday effectively starts Friday, 26th August, as traffic grows throughout the afternoon. During Friday evening and Saturday morning (the 27th), traffic levels are likely to remain high. Monday 29th will also see an increase in traffic throughout the afternoon, with Tuesday seeing levels going back to normal as people return to work.
Potentially busy roads on Summer Weekend 2016
South East Roads
- M1, A1(M)
- M6, M6Toll, A74M, M74
- M4, M5, M3, A303
- M23, M11
South West Roads
- A303, A30, A38
- M4, M5, A35
Birmingham Roads
- M1, M42/M40
- M42/M5, M1
- M6, A74M, M74
Yorkshire & Humberside Roads
- A180, M606, M62
- M18, M180, A61
- A64
North East Roads
- A1, A19, A66
- A167M, A1M, M1
North West Roads
- M6 Toll, M1, M42/M40
- M6, M5, M62, A1
- A74M, M74, M56 and A55
Welsh Roads
- A494, A55, A487
- M4, M48, A48(M), A48
Scottish Roads
- M9, A84, A82, A8
All roads around all major holiday destinations, airports the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar.
Click here to read more: Guides ALA Connect.