02/05/2008 09:49:00
Millions of Britons could be affected by gridlocks and disrupted train travel over the May bank holiday weekend due to warm weather.
The AA advises that about 18 million vehicles will take to the road over the bank holiday weekend following weather forecasts of temperatures reaching up to 23C, the Independent reports.
Jams are expected on routes to the west of England, from north England to North Wales, in the Lake District, Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth as well as in the Midlands and Norfolk. The AA said to expect significantly busier roads beginning tonight as commuters prepare for the holiday.
Those planning to travel by rail could also be facing disruptions. Rail chaos has been predicted for travellers on the West Coast Main Line in the Midlands and those heading for the London Liverpool Street Station - which will be closed for major bridge work on Sunday and Monday.
Engineering work on the West Cost Main Line means that there will be no Virgin Trains service to or from London's Euston Station over the weekend - although trains will still run south as far as Coventry and Birmingham.
Speaking to the Independent, Network Rail Chief executive Iain Coucher said:
"The work over the May bank holiday is all about improving the railway for passengers and freight users. Over the long weekend, we'll be investing millions of pounds to make services more reliable, more punctual and, in some cases, faster and more frequent.
"While the overwhelming majority of services remain unaffected, our message to passengers is to check before you travel."
The holiday will also result in busy airports this weekend, with up to 1.3 million passengers expected to pass though Gatwick, Stanstead and Heathrow - whose terminal 5 is reportedly operating well despite initial problems.