Motorists using the Dartford Crossing this bank holiday weekend should prepare for journeys to take up to three times longer than normal, the RAC is warning.

The forecast for good weather is expected to tempt millions more drivers into their cars across the three-day weekend, predicts the breakdown organisation, with journeys on the M25 and through the Dartford Crossing likely to be among those that may face extensive delays as a result.

Traffic experts believe Monday could become the busiest late May bank holiday since 2019.

Warm dry weather is forecast between now and the weekend and the Met Office now predicts settled conditions will continue well into Monday.

Studies by the RAC and transport experts INRIX indicate that more than 19 million leisure car trips alone could be made between Friday and Monday as families get away for the bank holiday or May half term.

INRIX says it expects the M25 to be a hotspot for traffic jams, with journeys on some stretches – including anticlockwise towards the Dartford Crossing – taking up to three times longer than normal.

For those planning on heading out of Kent there are also warnings about expected delays on the M5 in Somerset and M6 in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With the travel restrictions imposed during Covid now thankfully a distant memory, it’s clear drivers’ desire to getaway has been reignited with our figures for this coming weekend suggesting leisure traffic volumes will be close to what we last saw in 2019.

“With the Met Office currently predicting largely settled weather with above average temperatures, we’re expecting this to be a hectic period on major roads as people aim to make the most of the last long weekend before August – and that means it will be a busy time for our patrols too.”

With the cost of living crisis likely to have tempted some motorists to put off some vehicle maintenance the RAC says it is also preparing for teams to be called to more avoidable breakdowns than normal. Drivers, it insists, should make sure their vehicles have been checked thoroughly before setting off.

Rod Dennis added: “And, whether a car’s been serviced lately or not, a quick look at oil and coolant levels, together with checking tyres are in good condition and inflated properly, can go a long way to avoiding an unwelcome stop at the side of the road this weekend.”