Roads could be gridlocked this Bank Holiday weekend because 52 per cent of people are planning a trip, a survey has suggested.

Friday will be the busiest day, with 25 per cent taking the day off and many others leaving work early, a poll by car insurers esure found.

A total of 41 per cent of 18-25 year olds say they have organised a day trip over the weekend, with many lured by the Reading Festival and the Leeds Festival in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

Despite an unpromising weather forecast, the poll found plenty of people arranging to visit beach resorts, with the most popular spots being the Isle of Wight, Blackpool and Brighton.

Esure said motorists will be delayed by an average one hour 24 minutes, although an estimated 12 per cent may experience jams lasting three hours or more.

The poll showed 30 per cent of those planning trips intended to get up early on Saturday to begin their journeys, while 33 per cent will use minor roads and 19 per cent will avoid motorways completely.

In all, 19 per cent of people are planning a journey of more than four hours over the weekend.

Esure's Mike Pickard said: "Travel delays are standard fare for any bank holiday weekend but this week we're facing a perfect storm for delays on the road. Millions will opt for the car and a large percentage will not prepare properly."

The Highways Agency said about 70,000 fans would be attending the three-day Leeds Festival, while about 40,000 would be travelling to the Creamfields festival near Runcorn in Cheshire.

A spokesman for the agency said: These events bring extra traffic into the region and drivers are advised to plan extra time for their journey, take regular breaks and have drinking water with them.

"Drivers should also ensure their vehicles are prepared for the journey, with plenty of coolant and fuel. Drivers are advised to leave plenty of time to travel to the music festivals and we are working with the festival organisers, the police and local authorities to minimise delays on the roads."