End of Summer Traffic

As the summer holidays end and children return to school, INRIX, the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics, warns that journeys on the UK’s most popular roads will take more than three times longer than usual.

Analysis of INRIX data reveals that roads will be busiest on Monday 4^th September in the afternoon and early evening, a result of holidaymakers capitalising on the last few days of the break whilst others resume their routine commutes.

Dr Graham Cookson, Chief Economist & Head of Research, INRIX, who analysed the data commented:

“All good things must come to an end. Sadly for most, the end of the summer holidays heralds a return to work, school and traffic. Holidaymakers hoping to make the most of the remaining few days should be aware that traffic will be worst on Monday afternoon and evening.”

The longest delays will be on the M25 Clockwise from Junction 14 for London Heathrow to Potters Bar A111, which will take three times longer than usual. Drivers travelling along both directions of the M6 from Junction 20 for the M56 to Junction 11A for the M6 (Toll) can expect delays of 90 minutes and journeys along the M23 northbound from Brighton (J11) to the M25 (J8), and the M5 north from Exeter Airport (J29) to Bristol and the M4 (J15) will also take three times as long as normal.

Routes back from the coast, ports and other popular holidays destinations dominate the list of most congested roads (below). Drivers returning from Devon and Cornwall will be worst affected as all main routes out of the South West (M5, A30, A38 and A303) will be very busy with congestion expected to last all day (11:30-20:00) Monday on these routes. The Lake District (A66, A591) and East Anglia (A11, A47, A14) will also be particularly busy with few alternative options available to drivers while entire stretches of the M20 and M23 Northbound will be heavily congested.

The fastest way home may not be the shortest route so, to help drivers heading off this weekend, INRIX has provided possible alternative routes. Table 1 (below) shows the most delayed routes, worst travel periods and alternative routes for the most congested routes in the UK between 31^st August and 5^th September 2017.

Dr Graham Cookson continued:

“To beat the rush, drivers should leave early as possible on Monday, keep up to date with live traffic reports and consider INRIX’s alternative routes, even if they are longer in distance. If congestion hotspots can’t be avoided, ensure you have plenty of supplies in your car.”

Road and rail updates may exacerbate delays. Planned roadworks on the A27 westbound access from A280 from 1^st – 2^nd September and a lane closure on the M271 Junction 1 southbound until September 2^nd could cause congestion.

The upgrades at Waterloo station are on track be completed but passengers on Great Western Railway may require to use a replacement bus service between select stations.

Drivers should check online for any last minute changes.

Table 1: Most Congested Roads, Expected Delay and Alternative Routes for 31 August to 5 September