• Summer holiday getaway merges with ASLEF train strikes, major football fixtures and Commonwealth Games
• Congestion likely in Dover and Folkestone, but AA hopes lessons learnt from last weekend
• Traffic to build between 11.00 and 15.00 Friday and Saturday
• Rise in complex breakdowns shows importance of pre-travel checks

The AA is issuing an Amber Traffic Warning for this weekend and is advising drivers of delays between 11.00 and 15.00 on Friday and Saturday (29-30 July).

Train strikes, the start of the EFL football season, the opening weekend of the Commonwealth Games merge with the continuation of the Summer Getaway as holiday lets carry out their first switchover dates.

Congestion is likely to be felt worst as drivers head towards the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone. However, the AA is hopeful that changes have been implemented this week at those two ports will not see a repeat of last weekend.

Away from the South East, drivers heading towards Devon and Cornwall using the M5, A303 and A30 are due to experience jams. Similarly, the south west and western sections of the M25, the Bristol M4/M5 junction, M6, M42, M1 and M62 are vulnerable to jams this weekend.

AA ROUTE PLANNER AMBER TRAFFIC WARNING MAP – FRIDAY 29 JULY TO SATURDAY 30 JULY

Following a spike in complex breakdowns, the AA is stressing the importance of carrying out pre-travel checks on their cars to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “With holiday let switchover day starting on Friday mixed with train strikes and a huge weekend of sport, we are concerned that drivers will experience delays across the network with the South of England particularly vulnerable.

“All eyes will be on Dover and Folkestone, but we believe changes have been made throughout the week and we will keep our fingers crossed for a smoother trip across The Channel.

“Breakdowns can make jams worse and last weekend we saw a rise in breakdowns where vehicle checks had not been carried out before setting off. Spending 10 minutes checking tyres and fluid levels before setting off can make a big difference in helping people getting to their destination.

“As well as preparing your car, those using the car for long journeys should prepare for jams, carry plenty of food and water as well as entertainment for younger travellers. Downloading the AA App will keep you up to date with the latest traffic news and can be used to report a breakdown should the worst happen.”