As the summer holidays approach, UK roads are set to experience their busiest period of the year. With an estimated 27 million leisure trips expected across the country this season (Logistics Business, 2025), HGV drivers must be extra vigilant to navigate the surge in traffic, heat, and unpredictable road conditions.
To help keep fleets safe and moving efficiently, Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card, has shared key advice for drivers this summer, along with a list of the UK’s top traffic hotspots that every fleet manager should have on their radar.
Summer Driving: A Perfect Storm for HGV Operators
HGV drivers already face long hours, up to 56 hours a week even in summer (Logistics Business). The addition of caravans, festival traffic, family road trips, and roadworks creates a perfect storm of congestion and risk.
Here’s how fleet drivers can drive smarter, stay safer, and avoid unnecessary delays this summer.
1. Plan Ahead to Avoid Peak Congestion
“Motorways are busiest during rush hour - early mornings and after 5pm. If possible, schedule breaks around these times to avoid being caught in the thick of it,” advises Matthew Briggs.
It is also worth checking in advance for roadworks or closures that could affect your route. Even minor diversions can cost drivers time and fuel when operating under strict delivery schedules.
2. Be Extra Cautious of Blind Spots
More holiday traffic means more drivers unfamiliar with how to navigate near HGVs, especially caravans and trailers.
“Check your blind spots regularly and signal early. This gives nearby vehicles time to understand your intentions and move safely,” Briggs says.
A few seconds of extra visibility could prevent a dangerous misjudgement from another road user.
3. Do not Skip Breaks - Even on Tight Deadlines
Driving in hot conditions and stop-start traffic can cause fatigue faster than usual.
“Even if you’re tempted to push through, your reaction times and concentration drop significantly after two hours behind the wheel,” warns Briggs. “Take the break. Your safety and performance depend on it.”
4. Use Technology to Stay Informed and Efficient
Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and specialist fleet telematics systems offer real-time traffic alerts, lane guidance, and driver performance tracking.
These tools can:
- Help avoid last-minute congestion.
- Guide lane discipline.
- Provide alternate routes if incidents arise.
If you don’t already have an integrated system, Right Fuel Card offers telematics solutions that combine route planning, fuel efficiency tracking, and driver safety alerts.
5. Master Lane Discipline and Mirror Checks
Driving off-peak can lead to habits like lingering in middle lanes or drifting across lanes during long hauls.
“Stick to your lane and use mirrors effectively - especially on unfamiliar roads or when traffic is heavy,” Briggs adds.
Unnecessary lane switching is a major contributor to motorway accidents during peak periods.
UK's Top 5 Traffic Hotspots for Summer 2025
The following roads consistently experience congestion and should be approached with caution, especially during weekends and public holidays.
1. M25 (London Orbital)
Nicknamed “the UK’s biggest car park,” the M25 sees over 200,000 vehicles a day, particularly congested near Heathrow (J13–15) and the Dartford Crossing. (Transmode)
2. M6 (Midlands to North West)
Stretching over 230 miles, the M6 is vital for freight, but the Manchester to Birmingham section is infamous for its slow-moving traffic and heavy HGV presence.
3. A1(M) (London to Newcastle)
A crucial north-south corridor that passes through Leeds and Peterborough. Over 100,000 vehicles travel this route daily. Delays often cluster during rush hours and near major junctions.
4. M1 (London to Leeds)
The M1 regularly exceeds 130,000 vehicles per day, with Luton, Northampton, and Sheffield commonly affected by roadworks and bottlenecks.
5. M60 (Manchester Ring Road)
As the UK’s only circular motorway, the junction 15–16 segment of the M60 is one of the most consistently congested in the country.
Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Stay Alert
“With summer bringing both volume and unpredictability to UK roads, preparation is key,” concludes Matthew Briggs. “Whether it’s sudden delays, last-minute route changes, or inexperienced drivers, staying patient, aware, and well-informed makes all the difference.”
Looking to reduce fuel stress during peak travel periods? Right Fuel Card supports HGV fleets with fixed-price fuel, bunker access, and centralised invoicing - giving you cost control, route flexibility, and fewer surprises on the road.
Sources:
Logistics Business: Summer Traffic Stats (2025)
Transmode: UK’s Top 5 Busiest Roads
