A warning has been issued to drivers in England and Wales ahead of October half-term.

The arrival of the “autumn rush” in the coming days will see an estimated 19.4 million separate care journeys over the weekend, the RAC has warned.

A survey of 1,400 drivers indicated that Saturday will be the most popular day with 5.6 million journeys, followed by Sunday (4.6 million) and Friday (4.3 million).

An additional 4.9 million so-called getaway journeys are planned to take place across one of the three days.

Friday is the final day schools are open before the half-term break in many parts of England and Wales.

The poll suggested that the coronavirus pandemic is not putting drivers off making leisure trips as much as it did earlier in the year.

The most popular destinations where traffic is likely

  • Devon
  • Yorkshire
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk
  • Dorset
  • Blackpool
  • Lancashire coast
  • Cornwall

RAC issue advice to drivers travelling for October half-term

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Summer might be long gone but these figures suggest there might still be something of an autumn rush on the roads in the coming days as millions of drivers look to get away for the half-term holidays.

“That could well spark a jump in the number of breakdowns and, while many of these can’t be foreseen, a good number could be avoided if drivers spent just a little time looking over their cars before setting out.

“The key to a smooth journey is checking oil, coolant and screenwash levels are all where they should be, and making sure tyres are in good condition, have plenty of tread and are properly inflated.

“Not checking these things increases the risk of a breakdown significantly, which is the last thing drivers want as they head away for a well-earned rest.”