Bank Holiday drivers crunched off the road
High petrol prices and poor weather are conspiring to force drivers to leave their cars on in the garage this bank holiday weekend.
New research shows that 56 per cent of motorists polled by the AA admit they will not be travelling at all over the long weekend.
Some 23 per cent of those polled said the increasing cost of petrol was the main mitigating factor behind their decision whether to travel or not.
With fuel costs rising from an average of 102.1p to 126.33p for diesel and from 95.4p to 114.03 for petrol since last year's August Bank Holiday, it is clear that Britons are beginning to feel the pinch and are cutting back on trips out in the car.
And those that have decided to hit the roads in search of some sunshine are set to keep their journey close to home - with half of motorists (50 per cent) saying they'll be heading away just for a day-trip.
This figure has nearly tripled since last year's August Bank Holiday, when only 17 per cent of motorists opted for a day trip.
Despite these results, the AA still predicts that the roads will be busier than usual, with Tuesday expected to be the busiest day on the roads as people return to work.
Those who are still planning to travel over the Bank Holiday weekend seem undeterred by the continuing unsettled weather conditions.
Almost half of motorists (49 per cent) deciding to travel are planning to visit coastal areas - a 20 per cent increase on the 2007 August Bank Holiday figure.
AA Routeplanner reveals that Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth look to be the popular seaside destinations over the course of the weekend.
Andy Taylor, AA Patrol of the Year 2008, shares his tips for travelling over the Bank Holiday weekend: "At the moment it seems that there might be fewer people driving long distances over this Bank Holiday weekend, but it will still be busier than your typical weekend.
"And given that this is the last Bank Holiday before Christmas, people might make some last minute plans and the roads could get very busy.
"We would always advise drivers to make careful preparations for their journey, whether it be a last minute decision or a planned journey."
Comments
Newsletter sign up