AutoVehicle TechNavigation expert reveals how to avoid the traffic at UK’s summer hotspotsTomTom’s GO Navigation app team on saving time and skipping congestion when visiting the UK’s favourite holiday spotsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoVehicle TechNavigation expert reveals how to avoid the traffic at UK’s summer hotspotsTomTom’s GO Navigation app team on saving time and skipping congestion when visiting the UK’s favourite holiday spotsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TomTom’s GO Navigation app team on saving time and skipping congestion when visiting the UK’s favourite holiday spots
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
The summer holidays mark the beginning of the road trip season. People pack their bags, jump in the car, and head off to enjoy the holidays. I did it just last week, taking thenew Range Roverup to Scotland for a scenic tour of the highlands.
Unfortunately, this is a very popular undertaking. Tourists, families, or friends all tend to head to the beach, or off on city breaks at the same time. And while the pandemic curbed this for a couple of years, theT3 Award-winningTomTom’s GO Navigation app (available oniOS,AndroidandHuawei) team are now seeing increased traffic.
From the Go Navigation team’s data, it’s evident that both traditional seaside locations and city breaks are extremely popular, particularly in the month of August due to school holidays.
For those of you travelling to either of these places this summer, the team at TomTom have put together some tips to help you beat the rush. They looked specifically at weekends (for you daytrippers), to give you the information you need to spend less time idling in your car and more time doing what you love.
I could have really used these tips while I was sitting in three hours of traffic on the M6, so don’t be like me, make sure you’re fully prepared before you set off on your road trip.
(Image credit: T3)
(Image credit: T3)
Background from TomTom
As expected, we saw a dip over the last few years due to the pandemic. However, 2021 held some surprises. Edinburgh and Bournemouth both showed increased travel times, whereas London and Brighton were at lower levels compared to the same weekend in 2018 and 2019. This means that there were higher or lower increases in congestion in these areas during these periods, thus resulting in varying overall travel times. So, let’s say you were driving in Edinburgh last year on Saturday the 24th of July. At midday, the 30-minute drive from one end of Edinburgh to the other would take you an additional 15.3 minutes. And while 15 minutes doesn’t sound like a lot, that’s a 51% increase in travel time.
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So what does this all mean for your summer trip?
Firstly, we expect to see further increases in travel times in all of these locations and across other hotspots in the UK. Considering this is the first year where most of us can freely travel (tourists included) it’s likely that Bournemouth, Brighton, London, and Edinburgh will be busy.
Traditionally, Saturday is the busiest day for travel, and while this remains true for most places, London and Bournemouth have seen a switch, with Sundays becoming more popular. If you’re travelling to these locations, try going on a Saturday; for Edinburgh and Brighton, we would recommend going on Sunday instead.
It’s worth noting that there’ll be increased travel times regardless of which day you choose – but don’t worry, we’ve put together some tips to help you beat the traffic and save time while doing it:
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
1. Use your Navigation App
These smartphone apps are designed to make the driving experience easier. They highlight speed cameras, and paid options are likely to give you more customizable routes, so you don’t go the same way as everyone who’s following free apps – plus, they often feature downloadable maps, so it doesn’t matter if you lose internet access. Just make sure that your map is up to date before you leave!
The TomTom GO Navigation app currently has a 7-day free trialhere.
2. Use alternate routes
Suggestions of alternate routes can save you time and also provide you with vital information on the way. These routes can also be adjusted as need be. Need a fuel stop? Hungry? These apps can plan your route and account for delays, detours, and stops along the way.
3. Leave a bit earlier
4. Fill up at the beginning of your journey
Filling up closer to your destination isn’t always the best thing to do. Why? Firstly, if it’s a holiday destination you’re going to, it’s highly likely others will also be travelling there, and they’ll probably also need fuel. It’s better to fill up closer to home, or midway through your trip, and avoid the lines closer to your final destination. The same goes for those of you with electric vehicles: charge up before you go or stop at a charging station midway. Many navigation apps now provide you with insights into fuel prices which saves time and money.
5. Find your parking before you go
Quite a few of us will leave our parking to chance. It’s worth doing your research ahead of time and even booking a parking spot beforehand – that way your spot is confirmed; plus, prices are often lower, and it takes the hassle and stress out of searching. This is particularly important for those of you who have an electric vehicle, as charging spots can be limited.
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