May-day! Gear up for bank holiday gridlock

A survey by the RAC shows that over 17 million leisure trips by car are planned between Friday 2 May and Monday 5 May — nearly one million more than last year.

Friday is set to be the busiest day for travel, with as many as 3 million individual journeys expected. Saturday and Monday follow closely behind, with 2.9 and 2.8 million trips forecast, respectively.

If you’re looking to avoid the rush, Sunday may be your best bet, with a comparatively lighter 2.4 million journeys scheduled. In total, an additional 6 million trips are expected to be made across the weekend.

Despite the Easter holiday falling just two weeks prior, the appetite for travel remains strong. According to the survey, the most common reason for heading out is to visit family and friends, cited by 34% of respondents. Other motivations include shopping and running errands (17%), and taking a short break (10%).

Traffic trouble brewing

It’s not going to be all smooth sailing. Transport analytics firm INRIX predicts delays will peak Friday afternoon and evening, especially on major routes. The M25 clockwise from South Mimms to Essex could see delays of up to 40 minutes from 4pm, while the M5 southbound between Bristol’s Almondsbury interchange and Bridgwater is expected to be similarly affected from 7pm.

To beat the worst of the congestion, both the RAC and INRIX recommend travelling early. Drivers are advised to set off before 10am on Friday, and before 11am or after 3pm on the other days of the long weekend.

Prepare so to avoid breakdowns

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson urges drivers to prepare properly: “Even with changeable weather, the daylight hours are long — perfect for making the most of the weekend. But Friday evening could be a headache. If you can, travel earlier and check your car before setting off.”

Check your car’s fluid levels — including oil, coolant, and screenwash — and inspect the tyres for correct pressure, sufficient tread depth, and any visible damage. If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, be sure to check those tyres too.

Don’t overload your car

Temporary insurance experts at Tempcover are also warning drivers not to overpack their vehicles. Exceeding your vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM) — the total weight it can safely carry, including passengers and luggage — could lead to a £300 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

Your car’s maximum load (MAM) is listed in the manual, under the bonnet, or on the VIN plate. Stay within this limit to avoid reduced stability, longer stopping distances, tyre strain, higher fuel use, and potential insurance issues in a crash.

There are several signs your car may be overloaded: sagging suspension, distorted wheel arches, sluggish handling or braking, and obscured rear visibility due to packed luggage.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert from Tempcover, advises weighing luggage and estimating passenger weight before you travel. “It’s easy to overpack, especially for holidays or festivals, but exceeding your car’s weight limit risks safety. If you’re borrowing or sharing a vehicle, check its load capacity first.”

To stay safe, load heavy items first for balance, secure loose luggage, and inflate your tyres to the higher pressure recommended for heavy loads. This is usually listed in your car’s handbook or inside the fuel flap.

With some planning and preparation, the May Day weekend can be a fun and stress-free getaway. However, for those hitting the roads, prioritising safety and following the rules should always come first.

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