RAC advises drivers to prepare for summer conditions by checking oil and coolant, ensuring tyres have adequate tread and proper inflation, and carrying essentials like water and charging gear.

The Met Office forecasts a heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching up to the low 30s Celsius over the weekend and into early next week, adding to warm-weather getaways.

The bank holiday weekend is slated to bring heavy traffic on popular tourist routes, with forecasts of up to 23.4 million car journeys on Friday and peak leisure traffic expected on Friday and Saturday.

Fuel costs are influencing decisions, with the majority staying home and some shortening trips; unleaded averaging about 158.52p per litre and diesel about 185.92p, with typical fills up around £14 more for petrol and £26 more for diesel than last year.

Known hotspots include routes to Skegness on the east coast, the M4 from London to Wales, and the M6 to the northwest.

ABTA notes a surge in half-term family holidays, with strong demand for short-haul sunshine destinations such as Spain, Italy, the Balearics, the Canary Islands, and Portugal, and city breaks to Milan, Nice, and Barcelona.

AA data shows shopping as the top reason for trips, followed by visits to friends or family, with extra congestion anticipated around Premier League stadiums Sunday afternoon due to final fixtures.

RingGo data indicates Saturday will be the busiest day for parking in coastal towns like Bournemouth, Hastings, and Torquay, with seaside towns outperforming inland areas.

Rail disruption is expected from Friday through Monday due to strike action and engineering work, including stopped Thameslink services through central London, with some routes like the East Coast Main Line affected and replacements in place.