Banking on delays, tailbacks and traffic chaos

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With most schools returning in early September, this Bank Holiday weekend will be the last chance for millions of families to get away. But if the last Bank Holiday weekend is anything to go by, then over half of all Brits (54 per cent) escaping could spend a chunk of their precious time in the mayhem of delays, jams and tailbacks, according to research by esure car insurance1.

The current spell of warm weather could make matters worse for families planning UK getaways in the car. Last Bank Holiday weekend, some 8.6 million motorists2 faced delays of over 50 minutes on average.

Three quarters (76 per cent) of Brits polled believe that congestion on the roads is getting worse, especially around Bank Holiday weekends and 40 per cent admit they will be driving fewer miles to avoid being caught up in delays.

One in eight (13 per cent) Brits polled who experienced delays during the May Bank Holiday weekend were so disenchanted by the experience they have been put off travelling completely, with one in ten (10 per cent) admitting to even having cancelled or changed plans. This is on top of the recessionary effect which will see an estimated 15 per cent of Brits planning to stay home to save money.

Furthermore, over half of motorists (51 per cent) questioned admit that due to the environmental impact their car can have, they now adopt a more ‘green’ attitude to driving over Bank Holiday weekends - cutting back on travelling long distances by car.

How brave motorists plan to deal with this weekend’s traffic chaos:

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said: "This weekend is one of the most precious of the year so we’re not surprised that many families no longer want to spend it in a jam. esure is urging those who do brave the roads to plan ahead, travel off-peak and choose a route that avoids known congestion spots in order to avoid being delayed this Bank Holiday weekend."

Regional breakdown:
One in four drivers (25 per cent) in the congested South East who plan to travel this Bank Holiday will opt to drive at night time to avoid the jams, according to the poll. In fact, three quarters (74 per cent) of motorists in Yorkshire plan to avoid motorways altogether when making journeys this weekend so as not to grind to a halt.

Scots are feeling the pinch the most with 30 per cent polled admitting to staying home to save their pennies in the current climate. Those in the South West of England will be undertaking the most DIY projects, with 13 per cent of those questioned planning to do some home improvements over the Bank Holiday.

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esure's press contacts:

For further information please contact the esure press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 or email esure@mischiefpr.com

An ISDN line is available for radio interviews.

Notes to Editors:

  1. esure used the independent research company ICM which interviewed a random sample of 1004 adults aged 18 and over between 8th - 10th May 2009. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
  2. UK population based on the office of national statistics figures. Population Estimates: UK population grows to 60,975,000

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK's most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.