Drivers face huge motorway delays this weekend as school summer holidays begin
DRIVERS face huge motorway delays this weekend as millions take to the roads for the start of the school summer holidays.
An estimated 13.4million leisure trips will take place between today and Sunday — four million more than the same weekend last year.
Today has been dubbed “Frantic Friday” as an extra 5.3million drivers are set to battle for road space with regular commuters.
Research by the RAC and traffic data firm Inrix says the M1 between Northampton and Watford will see the worst delays at 90 minutes.
Significant queues are also expected on the M25 in Kent, as well as the M40, M5 and M6.
Drivers are advised to travel after 8pm if possible to avoid the worst of the traffic.
On Saturday, it would be best to avoid the M20 westbound from J7 to J3, which will have 19-minute delays from 9.30am with traffic travelling at 18mph.
Then on Sunday the M1 northbound from J12 to J16 will have 40-minute delays from 1.30pm, with an average speed of 24mph.
And drivers may also have to endure miserable weather with heavy rain moving northwards across the country today, while London and the South East will get thunderstorms tomorrow.
But hotter and drier conditions will follow with temperatures topping 90F (32C).
Airport users could also be trouble, with 4,000 Unite union workers threatening strikes at Heathrow on Friday and Saturday over a pay dispute.
At Gatwick, two separate unions are balloting for strike action - also over a pay dispute - with the result announced tomorrow.
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk