Packing your bags and going away? Watch out for rail and road chaos

The Great British Getaway got underway yesterday, with the AA predicting 13m drivers will be hitting the road.

But anyone hoping to let the train take the strain instead could find things just as bad on the rail network due to engineering works.

Major road troublespots are expected to include the M6 near Preston as travellers head for the Lake District and Blackpool.

The M55 is also likely to be much busier than normal.

“August is a full-on bank holiday weekend, so it’s always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads,” said AA patrolman of the year, Max Holdstock.

“The busiest time after last night will be Monday afternoon, so try to allow extra time if you are travelling then.”

Highways England has lifted roadworks on 400 miles of motorway and major roads this weekend to help ease the flow.

But, while their workmen will be taking a break until Tuesday, the men who repair Britain’s rail network will be out in force, bringing delays for many train travellers.

Passengers heading from Blackpool to Manchester Airport will be among those affected, with the service terminating at Preston and travellers being switched to other trains. There will also be problems on services into Manchester city centre.