August Bank Holiday: Amber traffic warning issued for Birmingham traffic hotspot

An amber traffic warning has been issued by the AA for this weekend with an estimated 15 million bank holiday leisure trips planned across Birmingham and the UK.

The AA has highlighted the the M6/M42 interchange in Birmingham as one of the traffic hotspots. At least 45% of UK drivers are to embark on at least one non-commuting journey between Friday and Monday, according to the AA.

It’s not just families returning from summer holidays but also festivalgoers and people embarking on day trips who are set to travel.

When will traffic peak?

The AA expects leisure traffic to peak on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Motorists are being warned to expect delays on major routes.

Major traffic hotspots

Predicted traffic hotspots include the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol; the M1 between the M25 and Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire; the M6/M42 interchange in Birmingham; and the M62 between Liverpool and Manchester.

Events this weekend

Reading and Leeds Festivals, CarFest South in Hampshire, the closing weekend of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a full programme of football fixtures and an England v South Africa cricket Test match in Manchester.

Travel disruptions

Train services on some key routes will be disrupted this weekend due to engineering work. The disruption will be a further blow to passengers who have been repeatedly affected by rail strikes in recent weeks.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “I’m pleased to say the vast majority of the railway will be open for business as usual this bank holiday, so passengers can rely on us to get them where they need to go as they make the most of their summers.

“Our teams will be delivering some upgrade works to improve future journeys for passengers, so we’re asking people to check before they travel and make sure their route isn’t affected.”

What did the AA say?

AA patrol of the year Sean Sidley said: “This year we are predicting up to 15 million journeys will be made over the August bank holiday, as families make the most of the warm weather and have a last hurrah before the new school year.

“With events and festivals fully back to normal, localised congestion will peak at closing time around major venues, but the rest of the UK could see peak journeys throughout Saturday.

“Traffic is likely to build again from Monday afternoon and into Tuesday, so allow plenty of time if you’re travelling then.

“Routes to and from coastal resorts and beauty spots will be among the busiest, so drivers should plan ahead for the journey and check your car before you go.”

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