Bank holiday getaway expected to be bigger than ever

The stars look set to align for families over the bank holiday weekend. Not only have restrictions on domestic travel now been lifted, the sun is also expected to be shining.

It all means thousands of motorists are set to hit the roads in the West Midlands over the weekend as families enjoy a much-needed break - but with it has brought warnings of potential traffic jams.

For many, it will be the first proper break they have been able to enjoy in months. At Easter, we were still subject to lockdown restrictions and the early May bank holiday was a washout.

But, after a ridiculously wet and windy May, it now seems like we're in for a period of better weather, with temperatures set to reach 21C (70F) on Sunday and 22C (71F) on Monday.

Nationally, nearly 11 million trips by car are planned over the bank holiday weekend amid warnings of potential traffic jams.

Highways England will be lifting almost 900 miles of roadworks this bank holiday across the country in a bid to keep disruption to a minimum. They say 98 per cent of the major roads network will be free from roadworks.

Motoring group the RAC said people were generally less fearful about the threat of Covid, now cases and deaths have drastically fallen from winter levels.

It said only around one in 10 drivers aren’t planning leisure trips due to the pandemic, compared to 18 per cent over the early May bank holiday and 25 per cent over Easter.

Midlands attractions are also gearing up for a bumper long weekend and half-term week.

Family favourites are set to benefit from the warm weather and changing attitudes towards going out now Covid infections and deaths are down.

It goes without saying it has been a disastrous year for attractions amid the lockdowns but now, finally, things appear to be looking up for these cherished venues.

Dudley Zoo director Derek Grove said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back more visitors and families over the May half-term week, especially with the good weather predicted.

"We’ve had a great re-opening over the past few weeks, with excellent visitor numbers and when the sun shines we make hay.”

He added: “Although we’re still working on a pre-booking system only with arrival timeslots throughout the day, we’ve found this gives extra comfort to visitors and we can create a smoother flow through the zoo around the recommended one way system, which has proven popular with every one that has previously visited since opening."

Ben Aldous, from the RAC, said: “With Covid restrictions gradually lifting and some better weather on the horizon at last, we’re anticipating large numbers of drivers to be venturing out and about over the bank holiday weekend. The fact only one in 10 said they weren’t planning a trip because of the virus, down from a quarter over Easter, shows people now have more confidence to drive to see friends and family safely.

“Our research points to Saturday and Monday being the busiest days, but in reality, there’s a good chance the weather will have the final say as to how busy the roads get. A return to more typical late May temperatures and an end to the recent wind and rain could spark a sudden surge in journeys and mean some routes – especially those to the coasts and hills – start to clog up."

It could mean the first long drives for while for many families and roads bosses have urged motorists to ensure they carry out safety checks on their cars before setting off.

Dave Harford, a Highways England traffic officer said: “If you haven’t driven for a while due to lockdown, you might feel a bit strange getting back behind the wheel.

“So it’s really important that you spend some time carrying out a few simple checks to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before setting off on your journey.

"Checking your tyres, oil, screenwash, lights and fuel doesn’t take long – but it will help keep you and your loved ones safe.”