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Bank holiday weekend to see millions travel in UK and abroad Bank holiday weekend to see millions travel in UK and abroad
(about 2 hours later)
About 5.1 million people will be heading off on holiday within the UK over the bank holiday weekend, the tourism agency VisitEngland has said.About 5.1 million people will be heading off on holiday within the UK over the bank holiday weekend, the tourism agency VisitEngland has said.
This is expected to generate about £1.3bn for the UK economy.This is expected to generate about £1.3bn for the UK economy.
And travel organisation Abta estimates that two million Britons will head abroad from Friday to Monday.And travel organisation Abta estimates that two million Britons will head abroad from Friday to Monday.
Heathrow is expecting more than 440,000 passengers to depart over the long weekend, while Gatwick is preparing for 311,000 outgoing passengers.Heathrow is expecting more than 440,000 passengers to depart over the long weekend, while Gatwick is preparing for 311,000 outgoing passengers.
Stansted is due to see 103,000 people fly over the next three days.Stansted is due to see 103,000 people fly over the next three days.
Ports and the Channel Tunnel are also expected to be in high demand.Ports and the Channel Tunnel are also expected to be in high demand.
The AA estimates that some 13 million drivers will take to the roads over the holiday weekend.The AA estimates that some 13 million drivers will take to the roads over the holiday weekend.
The busiest single day for motorists embarking on leisure journeys is expected to be Saturday, when 10 million drivers will be taking a trip.The busiest single day for motorists embarking on leisure journeys is expected to be Saturday, when 10 million drivers will be taking a trip.
Hotspots to avoid included sections of the M25, M6, M4 and M27.Hotspots to avoid included sections of the M25, M6, M4 and M27.
The AA's Max Holdstock said the August Bank Holiday weekend is "always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads".The AA's Max Holdstock said the August Bank Holiday weekend is "always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads".
He added: "Traffic is likely to build up on Friday evening as people set off early to make the most of the weekend, and will be busy again for the return on Monday afternoon - so allow plenty of extra time if you're travelling then."He added: "Traffic is likely to build up on Friday evening as people set off early to make the most of the weekend, and will be busy again for the return on Monday afternoon - so allow plenty of extra time if you're travelling then."
Highways England says almost 98% of England's motorway and major A roads will be clear of roadworks over the weekend, after some 373 miles of works were either completed or suspended ahead of the holiday.Highways England says almost 98% of England's motorway and major A roads will be clear of roadworks over the weekend, after some 373 miles of works were either completed or suspended ahead of the holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of people will travel by coach, with operator National Express announcing it will be its busiest weekend of the year.Hundreds of thousands of people will travel by coach, with operator National Express announcing it will be its busiest weekend of the year.
But nearly 1,000 engineering projects are being carried out across Britain's rail network, meaning some lines will be closed.But nearly 1,000 engineering projects are being carried out across Britain's rail network, meaning some lines will be closed.
Network Rail's route managing director, Martin Frobisher, said: "Work takes place 365 days a year as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan but we carry out larger upgrades over bank holidays when there are fewer passengers travelling."Network Rail's route managing director, Martin Frobisher, said: "Work takes place 365 days a year as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan but we carry out larger upgrades over bank holidays when there are fewer passengers travelling."
Some of those travelling within the country should be able to enjoy good weather, with parts of Britain forecast to reach temperatures of up to 30C (86F) this week.Some of those travelling within the country should be able to enjoy good weather, with parts of Britain forecast to reach temperatures of up to 30C (86F) this week.
However, some areas are expected to experience more unsettled conditions over the weekend.However, some areas are expected to experience more unsettled conditions over the weekend.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "This weekend is the traditional curtain closer for the peak summer months and it is always a very busy weekend for travel, with millions taking advantage of the long weekend to head off overseas.Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "This weekend is the traditional curtain closer for the peak summer months and it is always a very busy weekend for travel, with millions taking advantage of the long weekend to head off overseas.
"With the roads predicted to be extremely busy, holidaymakers should make sure that they leave plenty of time to get to their port of departure.""With the roads predicted to be extremely busy, holidaymakers should make sure that they leave plenty of time to get to their port of departure."
Monday is a day off in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but a working day in Scotland, which had its summer bank holiday at the beginning of the month.