Car Insurance Provider Warns of Bank Holiday Jams

Around 15 million Britons will hit the road this Bank Holiday weekend, potentially causing car insurance claims-triggering "mayhem".

This was the main finding of new research released today by car insurance provider esure. The Bank Holiday travellers, who are mainly using their cars to visit family and friends or to take a mini-break, include the five million who faced a delay while travelling on the same weekend last year.

However, that a further 1.4 million of those who were hit by the traffic jams in 2007 said that they will stay at home this Bank Holiday as a result.

For those that are hitting the road, esure said that around one third will face delays of over 45 minutes. Jam-dodging schemes among motorists detected by the poll include travelling late at night or early in the morning (63 per cent of respondents) and avoiding motorways or A roads (53 per cent).

Mike Pickard at esure said: "Travel delays are expected over any Bank Holiday weekend but the worst place to be is stuck is in a traffic jam where there's no escape. Drivers should make sure that they, their vehicle and their passengers are prepared for the journey.

"Drivers should check their vehicle before setting off, fill up with fuel and meticulously plan their routes with plenty of contingencies - taking along water, food, a map and a mobile phone at the very least."