Here at Economy Car Hire we like to think we provide a friendly, helpful service (no sniggering at the back!) So to that end, I got thinking about ways to improve your holidays even further and I came up with traffic jams. Not literally, I’m not the one responsible for you sitting in the baking sun for hours on end. Instead I thought, how can we help people know where they’ll be and how to avoid them? So here’s a look at some of the most common summer traffic jams.
UK
A30 – Devon & Cornwall
If you’ve ever visited the West Country in summer you’ll know the tailbacks can get pretty awful. It’s not as bad now as the A30’s been duelled between Bodmin and Indian Queens, but the issue at Temple remains. Tailbacks can easily reach 9 miles and whilst I’m not going to give away local secrets, I will help you beat the jam.
Solution
Come of the A30 and head over Bodmin Moor to St Breward for a spot of lunch at the Old Inn. When you’re ready, head down through the valley, past Blisland towards Bodmin. Don’t join the A30 immediately though, continue through town to Carminnow Cross where the A30 and A39 meet. Join the A30 here and you’ll have saved yourself a lot of stress. Obviously if you just want to crack on, skip lunch.
Portugal
A22 & N125 – Algarve
The Algarve is a tricky one, with many people keen to avoid the A22 toll road, they turn to the N125 instead. However, as every tourist in the world does the same thing, the N125 is filled with puzzled holidaymakers and reckless locals. It’s with good reason that this road has been named one of the 10 most dangerous in the world.
Solution
Whilst it’s not ideal, I’d recommend putting up with the tolls on the A22, get to your destination quickly, and start your holiday with a glass of wine and not a traffic jam. The A22 usually works out quicker than the N125 and is safer. If you insist on avoiding both then you’re in for a long road trip I’m afraid. You can alternate between the N270 and the N125 or take the smaller roads along the coast which will add an hour or so to your journey.
This where taking your own Sat Nav can come in handy, particularly if it has a live traffic function to guide you round the worst spots.
It is possible to do the A22 without paying tolls but this involves military planning and coming off at various junctions and rejoining further along – not recommend unless you know the area well.
France
Ok, summer + France = traffic jams in the south. The 2nd half of July and August is car hell and highlights why flying or catching a train down south beats driving the whole way. This website is handy for planning a route on the day. Try and bypass the major routes by taking the N roads where possible.
A51 – Grenoble to south coast
Once you get to Grenoble, all bets are off as to when you’ll arrive at your destination. The toll booths cause the biggest problems so it’s a matter of avoiding them.
Solution
The Route Napoleon (N85) lets you skip the A51 motorway and head south through the foothills of the Alps. Some of the route includes a trip down the winding and scenic D900 which passes through any number of villages where you can stop for lunch.
It may be slow going for some of the way but at least you’re moving and driving through some of the most stunning scenery in France.
Spain
Due to its popularity with European tourists, it’s no surprise the Spanish coast experiences more than its fair share of traffic jams. Unfortunately, like the Algarve, the main roads are tricky to avoid. However, there have been improvements on the A-7 in recent years which is likely to make things much better for the next few years.
Alicante
During the summer months, there are a number of festivals in and around Alicante that bring traffic to a standstill. The A-7 is the road to avoid if possible although it’s slowly being improved.
Málaga
The toll roads have made some improvements on the Costa del Sol but you still see some jams at peak times. The good news is that the A-7 between Málaga and Motril is now open so congestion should be less of an issue this year.
Murcia
Murcia has one of the worst records in Spain when it comes to traffic jams. The A-7 is particularly bad at weekends and even worse when the football team is playing at home. However, the good news is that this mainly affects locals and if you’re staying in the resorts along the coast you should be ok.
Traffic Jam Tips
Remember that being stationary in hot temperatures for any length of time can cause an engine to overheat.
- Make sure you top up your coolant before travelling.
- Turn of the AC if the engine temperature gets too high.
- Don’t top up your reservoir with cold liquid if the engine is hot.
- Keep an eye out for people undertaking and trying to push in.
Have we missed any?
If you know of any traffic jam hotspots either at home or abroad please give us your tips below so we can keep other customers out of jams. Alternatively, if all this talk of driving and holidays has got you in the mood for a road trip, check out our top driving roads in Europe.
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