Bank Holiday travel chaos on roads TODAY with 12.5 MILLION journeys this weekend – best time to set off & where to avoid

CHAOS is expected on Britain's roads TODAY as 12.5 million journeys will be made over the bank-holiday weekend.

Friday will be the busiest day for hitting the road with some 4.3m separate leisure trips planned by drivers making the most of the long weekend.

That's followed by Saturday with 2.3million and Sunday and Monday each with 1.3million.

But it's estimated that an additional 3.3million trips will be taken at some point between Friday and the end of Monday, the RAC warned.

The motoring association stressed that number that could increase with good weather.

But motorists can plan ahead to avoid the worst of the traffic and set off at times that will make their journey as pain-free as possible.

Transport analytics specialists INRIX says the stretch of the M25 between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing will see some of worst traffic.

The A303 is likely to be another traffic hot spot, with an estimated 3.6m trips planned to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset alone between Friday and Monday.

Meanwhile the M60, between J7 for the A56 (Altrincham) and J18 for the M62, and the M25 clockwise are all expected to see holiday tailbacks.

And the same is predicted between J7 for the M23 and J16 for the M40.

The RAC is advising people to set off early or later in order to miss the traffic and have a better journey.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday it says to travel before 7am or after 7pm if at all possible.

On bank holiday Monday, it says leaving before 10am or after 7pm should ensure a smoother trip.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Despite more people choosing to head abroad on holiday this summer compared to the last two years.

"The cost-of-living crisis has meant many people have again opted for a break in the UK – and that’s led to some busy conditions on the roads.

"We’re expecting busy roads to continue throughout this bank holiday weekend, especially to major holiday destinations with people eager to enjoy some time away before the new school terms begin in England and Wales."

INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said: “We expect to see an increase in travel times throughout the holiday weekend on major roads in the UK.

"With Thursday and Friday seeing the largest delays compared to normal.