Bank holiday travel advice issued as severe disruption expected for millions of drivers

The bank holiday weekend is fast approaching, and it is predicted that more than 15 million motorists will be taking to the roads. Despite our eagerness to make the most of the extra day off, this surge in traffic means our motorways are set to be busy, with long delays looking inevitable.

Inrix, a transport analytics firm, has forecasted that the M5 between Bristol and Devon will bear the brunt of the getaway traffic. The stretch from junction 15 north of Bristol to junction 23 for Bridgwater is expected to see hold-ups of more than 40 minutes on Friday and Saturday. The M20 and M25 are also likely to feel the strain.

However, according to one expert, there are measures we can take to dodge as much of the motorway madness as possible. From steering clear of travel during peak times to giving our cars a once-over before setting off, there are straightforward steps that Brits can follow to ensure the smoothest journey possible.

As folks strive to reach their long weekend destinations post-haste, Friday and Saturday are set to be the busiest days for driving - especially during the afternoon. If you are planning to get to your holiday digs early, or visit family or friends on those days, you are likely to find yourself stuck in a traffic jam.

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This year's May Day weekend saw a rise of over a quarter (28 per cent) in slower speeds on UK motorways. Motoring guru Nick Zapolski, who founded ChooseMyCar.com, reckons there are several tricks motorists can use to dodge getting trapped behind crawling traffic during their travels.

"With the bank holiday weekend around the corner, it's tempting to make the most of an extra day off work and get in your car and to your destination as soon as possible. However, doing this will likely mean that your journey will take longer and be a lot more stressful," he said.

"If you can, travel in the morning or late evening. Afternoons, especially on Friday and Saturday, are the busiest travel times, so it's best to avoid the roads then. If you wish to make your journey as soon as possible without traffic, driving on Thursday after work is also an option.

"Finally, if you don't want to add to the problem of busy traffic, make sure you check your car before you drive. Cars are more likely to break down on motorways during summer, and it will be difficult to get a breakdown provider to arrive quickly, as they are already very busy on weekends. By taking the right steps, you can spend your bank holiday out and about with family and friends, rather than stuck in traffic."

Steer clear of rush hour chaos Over 15 million Brits are expected to hit the roads this bank holiday weekend, with certain times predicted to be busier than others. If you can't avoid travelling over the weekend, try to set off before 10am to beat the traffic.

Prepare for a potential gridlock

Despite careful planning, traffic jams are inevitable. It's always wise to be prepared, particularly in hot weather.

Always have a large bottle of water in your car, some snacks if you're travelling with little ones, and a power bank to keep your phone charged.

Keep an eye on planned roadworks

Numerous roadworks are scheduled across the UK's road network. You can easily check for any road closures via the one network website, where local councils list any traffic disruptions.

Use a reliable map

Thanks to technology, most drivers now use their phones for navigation, with over a third (38.5 per cent) of Brits relying on their mobiles for directions while driving. Ensure your phone is securely placed in a mount, rather than in your hand - a study last year found that mobiles were the leading cause of road-related accidents at 15 per cent.

Plan your journey - and don't hesitate to take a detour

While motorways are typically the fastest route from A to B, a standard 30-minute journey can balloon to nearly three hours during a bank holiday weekend. If you can, try to avoid lengthy stretches of motorway.

Even if taking side roads adds a bit of time to your journey, it could significantly reduce your stress levels.

Take a breather

Driving can be taxing even without the added pressure of bank holiday traffic. If you're embarking on a long journey, it's recommended that you take regular breaks - the Highway Code suggests a 15-minute rest every two hours.

For an even more relaxed drive, consider stopping at a service station, or perhaps a pub or restaurant, to park up and unwind. This will help break your trip into manageable segments, preventing you from spending your entire journey stuck behind slow-moving vehicles.

Give your car a once-over before setting off

It is crucial to ensure your motor is roadworthy before any trip, no matter how short - the AA recommends carrying out six essential checks using their "FLOWER" method (Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber).

Making certain your vehicle is in perfect condition could prevent additional congestion for fellow motorists stuck behind you.

Nobody wants their car breaking down during a bank holiday weekend

July and August see the highest number of motorway breakdowns (exceeding 26,000 last year), whilst recovery services are already stretched at weekends and might struggle to reach you promptly.

Stay composed

Motoring can prove nerve-wracking, especially during extended traffic jams, so it's essential you travel as safely as possible. Anxiety can trigger road rage, which contributed to more than a quarter (27 per cent) of vehicle crashes last year.

To prevent lasting harm to yourself or your motor, keep your cool behind the wheel and take regular breaks when feeling overwhelmed.

If you are travelling with your family, bring along snacks, beverages or entertainment (or create your own diversions) to keep everyone occupied.