THE AA has warned that more than 13 million drivers are expected to take to the roads this bank holiday weekend.

The motoring association, which has its headquarters in Basingstoke, said various events will influence traffic volumes, including CarFest South, being held at Laverstoke Park Farm, Reading Festival and the Notting Hill Carnival.

The worst traffic congestion is expected to be on Friday evening, with the south-east of England included in the hot-spot areas.

The company estimates that 39 per cent of its members are likely to be on the road over the weekend, either returning from holiday or an outing.

The average trip will be around 90 miles.

Max Holdstock, AA patrol of the year, said: “August is a full-on bank holiday weekend, so it’s always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads. The busiest times will be Friday evening and Monday afternoon, so try to allow extra time if you’re travelling then. Routes to the South-west and the coast are usually among the busiest; and there will be localised congestion around events, particularly at finish time.

“If you’re travelling with children, take plenty of things to keep them entertained; and break up any journey more than three hours long.”