The upcoming summer getaway is set to be a chaotic affair, with the roads expected to be jam-packed and fuel prices soaring. The RAC predicts a record-breaking 14.1 million drivers will hit the roads for holidays or day trips between Friday and Sunday, marking the busiest getaway in four years. This surge in travel coincides with the end of the school year in England and Wales, and the academic year's conclusion in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The M1, M25, M60, and M4 are identified as potential congestion hotspots, with the RAC warning that south-west and north-west England will bear the brunt of leisure traffic. The situation is further complicated by the high fuel prices, with a 55-litre family car costing an additional £8.90 for petrol and £21.20 for diesel. This economic burden is likely to prompt many families to opt for UK holidays over overseas trips, a trend that may be attributed to flight disruptions, EU border delays, and the financial strain of the Iran war. The EU's Entry Exit System (EES), which requires fingerprint registration and photograph-taking for non-EU travellers, has been a source of concern. Despite calls from the travel industry to suspend the system until September, the EU has refused, potentially exacerbating delays during the peak summer holiday season. As drivers prepare for the summer scramble, the RAC advises planning journeys to avoid traffic jams and carrying essential items like water, suncream, and an umbrella. The challenge lies in balancing the need for travel with the potential for delays and the financial burden of rising fuel prices.
