Sussex bank holiday tailbacks and travel details

The south east could be a hotspot for traffic jams as people flood to the area as they escape for the long weekend, said the RAC.

It estimates 12.5 million leisure journeys will be made in the UK between now and Monday, with tailbacks likely in Sussex between 2pm and 7pm today.

“The south east and south west of England look as though they may bear the brunt of the traffic, with the message to drivers travelling through these regions clear – head off early in the morning or be prepared to sit in traffic,” said RAC spokesman Rod Dennis.

“The UK’s roads are just as hectic this summer as they were a year ago.

“We’re expecting busy roads to continue throughout this bank holiday weekend, especially to major holiday destinations, with people eager to enjoy some time away before the new school terms begin in England and Wales.”

Millions are set to travel over the weekend

Mr Dennis also advised people to ensure their cars are “road ready” with simple check which include tyre pressures and oil levels.

Disruptions were expected on the railways with engineering work affecting Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton until this morning.

Buses were due to replace trains between Three Bridges and Brighton until 5.15am today.

Network Rail said upgrades worth £90 million will be carried out though 95% of lines will remain open.

A reduced timetable will operate between Northampton, Milton Keynes and London Euston due to HS2 work from Saturday to Monday.

There will be no trains to London’s Charing Cross or Cannon Street stations on Saturday or Sunday, with a limited service from Hastings and Tonbridge to London Bridge on both days.

The weather is set to be mild with highs of 23C expected on Sunday, staying cloudy with sunny spells but little chance of rain across throughout the weekend.

Water quality at beaches in Sussex is also set to be poor as today’s torrential rain could cause further storm overflows into the sea.