Bank Holiday Blues: Motorists issued bank holiday traffic warning as motorway delay hotspots revealed
22 August 2025
- Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals the calendar dates that saw the highest traffic volumes on the motorways in 2024.
- Friday before the August Bank Holiday was among the dates with the highest traffic volumes in 2024.
- Meanwhile, member-owned business also found that the A627(M) between the M62 and A664 near Rochdale has seen the most traffic delays of any road both in 2024 and so far in 2025. **
- This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds drivers to ensure that they plan their journey carefully and stay safe while driving this Bank Holiday weekend.
Ahead of the long weekend, Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways reveals that Fridays before Bank Holidays saw the largest volumes of traffic on England’s motorways in 2024.
Friday 23rd August, the day before last year’s Bank Holiday, was among the days where traffic volumes on the motorways were at their highest, which, of course, indicates that this Friday could be busy for motorists as many people look to getaway for the long weekend.
The member-owned business’ findings highlight that these Fridays often see the highest traffic volumes on Britain’s roads, with 24th May, the Friday before the Spring Bank Holiday, the busiest day last year.
Calendar dates with the highest volumes of traffic in 2024
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24 May 2024
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23 August 2024
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26 July 2024
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30 August 2024
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6 August 2024
When it came to the roads worst affected by traffic delays, the member-owned business found that the A627(M) between the M62 and A664, northbound, at Rochdale has seen the most both, last year and so far, this year.
Last year, this was followed by the M25 at the A282 northbound near the Dartford Crossing and the M67 westbound between junction 1A and the M60.
Roads with most delays in 2024
Meanwhile, so far this year, the two junction locations with the highest number of delays were both in Greater Manchester, with the M67 westbound between J1A and the M60 climbing to second.
Elsewhere, two of the top five were in Greater London at the A308(M) westbound between the M4 and A308, and the aforementioned M25 northbound stretch at the A282.
Roads with most delays in 2025 (Jan-June)
Road delays can lead to an increase in journey times and, therefore, tiredness among motorists, as well as potentially resulting in heightened stress or frustration. This can impair driving performance and safety, which raises the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.
As such, ahead of the bank holiday, Co-op Insurance is reminding drivers to ensure they plan their journeys carefully, take regular breaks and carry out safety checks so that they can anticipate disruptions and prepare for, what may be, a longer time spent behind the wheel.
Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:
“From commuting to leisure trips and visiting loved ones, our motorway network is a vital part of so many people’s Bank Holiday plans.
“However, our findings suggest that getting from A to B via the motorway can sometimes be less than straightforward, with delays sometimes unavoidable and particularly common on certain stretches of motorway.
“We’re therefore urging drivers to plan their journeys carefully this weekend before they set off so that they can be prepared for any road closures, avoid rushed or panicked decisions and safely navigate diversions.”
To find out more about Co-op Insurance visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance
Notes to editor
Data from National Highways as of 18th August 2025.
M-Designated roads only with the highest delays in 2024
M-Designated roads only with the highest delays in 2025 (Jan-June)
For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk
About Co-op: Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by over 6 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 6,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 54,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.