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Lighter traffic than the Easter bank holiday
predicted
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Mild weather, rising bills and shorter school term
results in fewer weekend getaways
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Diesel costs up by a third compared to 2021. Petrol up
by more than a quarter 28% dearer than a year ago, diesel
36%
Two Bank Holiday weekends in quick succession, the rising cost of
living and higher than usual pump prices, may well curb Britain’s
appetite for travel this weekend according to the AA.
As Britain’s drivers tighten their belts, the UK’s number one
motoring organisation is expecting lighter traffic over the May
bank holiday than that seen in the recent Easter getaway and
pre-pandemic May Day Bank Holiday weekends.
With mild weather predicted, some families may opt for a
relatively inexpensive day in a local park area or a day on the
coast. For those who can afford to spend a little, the hotspots
are likely to be out-of-town shopping centres such as Bluewater
in Kent, and Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield. Wherever
the destination, AA advice is to check local traffic reports
before you travel.
Drivers are also advised to check their vehicle
before travelling to help avoid a breakdown. If the worst does
happen, the AA’s five-star patrols are on duty all weekend. Try
to give yourself peace of mind by having breakdown cover in place
before you travel.
If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) make sure you have plenty
of charge to reach your destination, accounting for possible
traffic delays. You can find your closest charge point using the
free AA app.
With a 55-litre tank of petrol costing almost £20 more than last
year and the same sized tank of diesel costing over £25 more,
download the AA app to find the cheapest
fuel in your area.
Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: “Many drivers will want
to put their feet up this weekend following a busy Easter break.
Meanwhile, shoppers and DIYers look set to battle it out as they
plan to raid homeware stores, shopping malls and garden centres.
“With half term just a few weeks away, families are holding back
this weekend while planning their getaways booked towards the end
of May. As a result, we could see some localised congestion at
popular destinations.
Commenting on fuel prices, Luke Bosdet, AA fuel price
spokesperson, said: “The only saving grace is the variety of pump
prices that can be found and drivers that keep their eyes open
can lop perhaps as much as 4p a litre / £2 a tank off their
refuelling costs. Other than that, it’s looking to be a dismal
start to the summer for Britain’s drivers.”
