Bank holiday journeys 'will be short and sweet'

A combination of an empty purse and the threat of a wet weekend is putting people off taking long journeys this bank holiday, the AA has said.

The breakdown and repairs service carried out a survey which showed that 56 per cent of motorists do not plan to travel at all over the coming weekend, with almost a quarter citing the cost of fuel as the main reason for this.

With petrol prices having gone up by 18.63 pence since last August's bank holiday, those that are taking to the roads are planning shorter trips - some 50 per cent said they will opt for a day trip rather than a mini-break, three times the amount of last year.

According to the AA Routeplanner, Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth are the most popular enquiries from motorists this year.

Andy Taylor, spokesperson for the AA, said that although this may mean the roads could be quieter, it will still be busier than an ordinary weekend.

"Given that this is the last bank holiday before Christmas, people might make some last minute plans and the roads could get very busy," he remarked.

Mr Taylor added that people should ensure to make careful preparations for their journey, however short, in order to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Unfortunately, forecasters have said that August is set to be the wettest for almost 100 years, with no sign of the rain letting up.