Motorists issued Bank Holiday traffic warning as getaway Friday journeys surged 23% last August

29 August 2026

  • Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance shows that traffic levels were almost a quarter (23%) higher than the 2025 daily average on the Friday before the August Bank Holiday in 2025. *
  • The member-owned business’ findings also highlight that the August Bank Holiday period formed part of the busiest week of 2025 on England's road network.
  • Meanwhile, the provider also reveals the Bank Holiday delay hotspots, with the A4545 link road to Birmingham Airport recording the highest average delays during last year's Bank Holiday weekend.
  • What’s more, average petrol and diesel prices are up 20% and 29%, respectively, compared with last year.
  • This comes as Co-op Insurance encourages drivers to ensure that they plan their journeys carefully and stay safe while driving this Bank Holiday weekend.

Ahead of the long weekend, Co-op Insurance is warning drivers to expect heavy traffic and delays as many people prepare to head away for the Bank Holiday.

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways shows traffic on England's road network was 23% higher on the Friday before the August Bank Holiday in 2025 compared with the daily average for that year, suggesting motorists could again face heavy congestion this Bank Holiday weekend.

Notably, the August Bank Holiday was part of the busiest week on England’s road network in 2025, with traffic levels almost an eighth (12%) higher than the weekly average, indicating the pressure that the road network could come under this week. **

Last year, Friday was by far the busiest day on the road network during the Bank Holiday, followed by Monday, whilst Sunday proved to be the quietest day of the long weekend as traffic levels dipped below the daily average for 2025. Across the Bank Holiday weekend, traffic levels were 5% higher than the daily average for 2025. ***

When it came to the roads worst affected by traffic delays, the member-owned business found that the A4545 northbound, which links the M42 at junction 5a with Birmingham Airport and the NEC, recorded the highest delays over last year's August Bank Holiday. ****

This was followed by the A616 between the A6102 at Deepcar and A628 junction in Sheffield. This is one of the main routes for those in South Yorkshire to access the Woodhead Pass and subsequently the Peak District, making it a particularly busy road during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank Holiday delay hotspots

Meanwhile, the cost of getting behind the wheel this Bank Holiday is set to be significantly higher than last year, with government data showing average petrol prices are up by a fifth (20%) compared with the week of the 2025 August Bank Holiday, while diesel prices have risen by almost a third (29%).*

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.

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Co-op Insurance is encouraging drivers to plan their journeys carefully, take regular breaks and carry out safety checks before setting off, helping them prepare for potential delays and longer journey times.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

"From days out to visiting loved ones, our road network is a vital part of so many people’s Bank Holiday plans.

“However, our findings suggest that navigating the road network could be less than straightforward this weekend, with delays particularly likely on certain routes such as the A4545 link road to Birmingham Airport and the Stocksbridge Bypass in Sheffield.

“We’re therefore encouraging 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.”

Find out more about Co-op Motor Insurance

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

Data from National Highways as of Monday 10th August 2026

Delay hotspots map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1pfTX8Kth9h20PjKqq_0KU-sE58OvmZ4&ll=53.00519364553797%2C-2.2575590000000068&z=8

Busiest days of the Bank Holiday

  1. Friday
  2. Monday
  3. Saturday
  4. Sunday

*Friday 22 August 2025: 305,272,599 vehicle miles compared with an average daily traffic volume of 248,791,040 vehicle miles in 2025.

** Week 34 = Monday 18th August 2025 to Sunday 24th August 2025. Weekly vehicle miles = 1.915 billion – highest in 2025 and 12% higher than average of 1.705 billion vehicle miles per week.

*** Average traffic per day on Bank Holiday = 260,385,579v Average traffic per day in 2025 = 248,791,040

**** Based on highest average delays over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2025

* Weekly road fuel prices - GOV.UK - see first document listed. Data based on prices on wc 25th August 2025 v wc 18th August 2026.

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 around 7.2 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 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 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.