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14m cars hit the roads for as school holidays start
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor23 Jul 2010
The great summer getaway began across the capital today as state schools started their summer holidays.
The AA expects 14 million cars on the roads this weekend — making it the busiest of the year — and travel agents estimate that 1.9 million Britons will be heading abroad.
About 440,000 will be leaving from Heathrow, 250,000 from Gatwick and 139,000 from Stansted.
Research by AA Roadwatch found that 49 per cent of families plan to stay in Britain, meaning roads are likely to be busier than usual.
Paul Leather, AA patrol of the year, said: “You really will have an easier journey if you can avoid travelling at peak times, which is particularly welcome if you have children on board. Carry plenty of drinking water, food and things to keep them entertained.”
Abta, the travel association, said the most popular short-haul destinations this weekend were likely to be Spain, the Canary and Balearic islands, Turkey, Greece and Egypt. In the long-haul market, Dubai and Florida are the most popular choices.
Reader views (6)
Yay!! Bye bye everyone. If it wasn't for those pesky tourists, we could almost enjoy living in London!
- Real, Camden, 26/07/2010 09:10
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It is good that the masses find the money for petrol that they could not aford a few months ago.
All the roads and car parks will be cluttered now that the school holidays have started. I am surprised the fathers don't find some work to do.
- michael, London, UK, 23/07/2010 17:48
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For all those people that state that the school run does not affect traffic flow during the mornings; check out how much quieter the roads will be from Monday. Those who do not notice either do not have a school near them or need to visit specsavers.
- Dom, London, 23/07/2010 17:11
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The hordes of sheeple are on the mooooooove!
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, UKSSR, 23/07/2010 16:53
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Another non-story. This could have been written 10 years ago. Give us some news!
- Rod, Epping, UK, 23/07/2010 15:03
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Anyone wanting convincing evidence that traffic reduction is desirable should use London's roads over the next few weeks. Whether you cycle, drive or ride on a bus, it will be quicker and nicer.
- Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher, 23/07/2010 14:36
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