The Highways Agency is warning drivers to be aware of heavy traffic now that the school summer holidays are underway.

Up to 20 percent more traffic is expected on the roads compared with a typical Saturday particularly on routes around the UK airports and ports. Drivers are being advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid the worst of the queues.

“At this time of year a lot of people will be taking journeys they are not familiar with so our advice is to plan your journey well and make sure you check the conditions before you leave. It’s also a good idea to be prepared. Take food and water with you, especially if you have children in the car, and take a map just in case you need to find an alternative route,” said Steve Crosthwaite, Head of the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre.

Real-time traffic information including current incidents and roadworks is available at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo