Expect heavy traffic this weekend as lockdown eases, RAC says

Published 30 June 2020

A third of drivers will be heading off for an overnight stay in England this weekend, according to the RAC.

The easing of lockdown restrictions in England from this weekend (4 July) will see the equivalent of more than 10 million people (one third of drivers) getting away for an overnight stay, potentially making it the busiest weekend of 2020 so far on the roads, according to a survey by RAC.

The survey of 1400 drivers revealed that driving to stay over with family or friends is the most popular option, with a fifth of drivers planning such a trip.

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But campsites also look set to receive their first significant volume of visits this year with six per cent of respondents planning to camp away from home, while two per cent of those surveryed planning on towing their caravans to a camp site for a short break.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "This could lead to some busy conditions on the roads, with the location of queues likely to be dependent on just how far people travel – motorways and major A-roads could end up taking the brunt of the traffic if people have longer distances to drive to see family and friends or to take a weekend break."

Where do drivers plan on staying overnight in England this weekend?

Destination	% of drivers	Equivalent number of drivers
A family member’s home	11%	3,740,000
A friend’s home	8%	2,720,000
At a campsite	6%	2,040,000
At a caravan site	2%	680,000
At a hotel or bed and breakfast	1%	340,000
In self-catered accommodation	2%	680,000
At a second home	1%	340,000
Total with plans to drive and stay over	31%	10,540,000