Motorists warned over delays as great summer getaway begins this weekend

Motorists are being warned to expect delays this weekend as almost nine million vehicles embark on the start of the summer getaway.

The RAC predicted that a total of 37 million leisure trips will be made over the first two weeks of the school holidays.

Saturday will be the busiest day of the weekend for UK getaway traffic with 3.4 million journeys being made.

The worst times to travel are anticipated to be:

  • Friday between 1pm and 8pm

  • Saturday between 11am and 4pm

  • Sunday between 11am and 4pm

Traffic on the M6 in Birmingham Credit: ITV News Central

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis warned that drivers will face "customarychaos" this weekend:

Mr Dennis advised drivers to travel very early in the morning or late in the evening, but accepted this will not be possible for many people.

The RAC predicted that the most congested spot in the Midlands will be:

  • The A14 between the Midlands and the east coast