FRANTIC FRIDAY

Travel chaos with 15-MILE queues in 36C heat as thousands of sun-seekers hit the seaside for weekend getaway

MOTORISTS have been hit by 15-mile queues in sweltering 36C heat today as thousands of sun-seekers flocked to the seaside for a weekend getaway.

Drivers were stuck in the long queue and searing heat through Hampshire going westbound on the A31 near the New Forest, leading to the M27 and up to the M3 southbound.

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It came as a 36.4C heatwave today scorched the nation and sun seekers were told to stay away from 19 beaches as a 13-mile stretch of Dorset coast was closed.

The AA told The Sun Online that the 15-mile queues were primarily caused by sun-seekers flocking to the coast and New Forest, but some roadworks also contributed.

Traffic chaos also hit many other roads leading to the seafront with drivers stuck in 90-minute queues on the coastbound M5 near Bristol as they headed for Devon and Cornwall this afternoon.

Highways England urged motorists to delay their journey to the South West coast "until delays have eased."

Drivers stuck in their cars in the searing heat were hit hardest from the Michaelwood Services between, junctions 13 and 14, to junction 21 in Weston-super-mare, Somerset.

At one point, there were several miles of tailbacks on the southbound carriageway between junction 6 at Aztec West and junction 17 at Cribbs Causeway.

Highways England predicted the travel time has been reduced lightly now to 60 minutes above usual, having peaked at one hour and 25 minutes this afternoon.

And motorists on the M4 going westbound between junctions 20 and 21 have also faced the wrath of congestion.

Slow traffic also hit the M4 eastbound from junction 28 A48 to junction 26 A4051.

Those eager for a weekend getaway were stumped further by an earlier brakdown on the M5 between junctions 16 and 17, which has now been cleared.

Camber Sands beach in East Sussex was also a hotspot for sun-seekers today with packed out car parks.

There were also delays in Lancashire and Essex.

Queues of up to four miles were reported on the M6 and the M61 this afternoon.

Traffic was also held in both directions on the M25 after a police incident between junction 27 and 28 near Brentwood, Essex Live reported.

It began building at around 1pm this afternoon and all lanes have now reopened.

The chaos could be here to stay for the weekend as the AA predicted that traffic could surge by 107 percent on Saturday and 103 percent on Sunday compared to pre-lockdown levels.

Ben Sheridan, AA Patrol of the Year, says: “Because of the hot weather, we’re expecting to see up to 10 percent more traffic over this weekend compared to last weekend.

“Motorways, coastal routes and roads to ferry crossings are likely to be busy. Many drivers will be hitting the road early to beat the heat, while others will stay home to stay cool.

“With a heatwave forecast, preparing your car before you set off will be key this weekend.

“Make sure you take time to check the car, plan your journey and pack the essentials. It’s especially important to check your car’s coolant and cooling system regularly to avoid overheating, and bring water and sun protection with you in case you get caught in a queue.

“If you can, set off early to beat the queues or wait until later to miss the daytime heat.”