Car queues outside DIY stores could halt traffic this weekendPlanning to visit a DIY superstore this weekend? Don’t expect the journey to be a quick one. Motorists’ organisation the RAC predicts congestion hot-spots around DIY stores on retail parks and located out-of-town as nine out of 10 homeowners plan to shop for paint, wallpaper, gardening items or other home improvement purchases at some point during the May Bank Holiday period.

The surge in DIY activity comes as a fifth of homeowners say they are postponing a house move because of the current economic situation but intend to revamp their present home instead.

The RAC has this advice for drivers bringing home large or heavy purchases: pack heavy items low in the boot and as far forward as possible. If the boot has tie-down loops, use them.If the back seats are empty, fasten the belts to strengthen the seats and ensure that the seats are locked in place. Load the car only to just below the top of the seat backs and never put anything on the rear shelf.

Traffic is expected to hit its peak during lunchtime on Saturday. The RAC predicts that the worst jams will happen at:

A23 Purley Way, Croydon, Surrey
A406 North Circular Road at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, north London
A13/M25 interchange (near the Bluewater shopping centre)
A635 Manchester Road, Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

If the promised fine weather arrives, the RAC expects tailbacks on main holiday routes, including those to the West (M4, M5, M303); from northern England to north Wales (M56, A55); to Blackpool (M55), to the Lake District (M6, A590); and between the Midlands and Norfolk (A47).

For updates, use the RAC traffic planner at rac.co.uk