Brits to face delays this Bank Holiday weekend

Over half of all Brits (54 per cent) are planning to travel over this Bank Holiday weekend and could be caught up in the mayhem of traffic jams, delays and cancellations, according to research out today by esure car insurance.

Delays could be worse this May Bank Holiday compared to the last as one in three (33 per cent) Brits questioned admit that they will be travelling more miles and longer distances this time. In fact, esure estimates that of the Brits planning to get away this Bank Holiday weekend, over 10.6 million will face delays:

8.6 million motorists may face delays of over 50 minutes on average

Over 1.6 million train travellers may suffer delays of around 57 minutes

Over 400,000 people travelling by plane may be delayed on average by 52 minutes

esure's annual ‘Bank Holiday Exodus' poll also reveals that congestion on the roads is most likely to be focused around shopping malls and retail parks such as Bluewater and Meadowhall. A trip to a shopping centre is top of the list (30 per cent) for those planning to travel this weekend, closely followed by garden centres (28 per cent), the seaside (26 per cent), DIY stores (23 per cent) and historical attractions such as stately homes and castles (12 per cent).

How motorists plan to deal with the Bank Holiday traffic chaos:

Almost a fifth (18 per cent) plan on driving during the night to avoid delays.

Two thirds (66 per cent) will travel off peak - setting out late evening or setting the alarm clock for an early morning start

Almost half (48 per cent) plan on using minor roads to avoid using a motorway or A roads.
19 per cent will set their Satellite Navigation System so that it completely avoids the use of motorways.

In fact, one in eight (13 per cent) Brits polled who experienced delays last May Day Bank Holiday weekend have been put off travelling completely this weekend, whilst one in ten (10 per cent) have cancelled or changed plans to reduce their overall travel time.

The recession has also affected people's plans with 15 per cent of Brits questioned planning to stay home to save money. Just five per cent plan to undertake a DIY project or home improvement whilst 24 per cent of Brits polled said they're opting for quiet time at home.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said: "Travel delays are commonplace on Bank Holiday weekends as Brits hit the roads, airports and train stations on mass to make their getaway. But one of the worst places to spend a three day long weekend break is in a traffic jam where there's no escape.

"Planning ahead, travelling off-peak and choosing a route that avoids roads surrounding places of interest, shopping malls and seaside resorts are good ways to beat the queues. Doing a thorough vehicle check before setting off is also advisable to try to prevent a breakdown and stocking up on water, snacks and a map is a must in case there are unavoidable delays."

Regional breakdown:

One in four drivers (25 per cent) in the congested South East who plan to travel this Bank Holiday will opt to drive at night time to avoid the jams, according to the poll. In fact, three quarters (74 per cent) of motorists in Yorkshire plan to avoid motorways altogether when making journeys this weekend so as not to grind to a halt.

The Welsh are planning some retail therapy this weekend with 38 per cent of those questioned saying they'll be visiting a shopping centre whilst those in the North East are opting for the seaside (39 per cent) - which could lead to congestion in resorts such as Scarborough.

Scots are feeling the pinch the most with 30 per cent polled admitting to staying home this Bank Holiday to save their pennies in the current climate. Those in the South West of England will be undertaking the most DIY projects, with 13 per cent of those questioned planning to do some home improvements this Bank Holiday.