Germany's ADAC motoring association expects significantly increased travel traffic this coming weekend, as the summer holidays begin in four more federal states. Hamburg, Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are starting their summer break, and this will be compounded by an increase in holidaymakers from neighboring countries, the automobile club announced on Monday in Munich.
However, the summer holidays have not yet begun in Germany's two most populous states, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.
The greatest risk of traffic jams is expected on Friday afternoon and evening, when commuters and holidaymakers will be on the road at the same time. Traffic volumes will also be high on Saturday morning on classic holiday routes and toward local recreation areas. On Sunday, particularly in the afternoon and evening, return traffic from holiday and excursion regions is expected.
ADAC pointed out that, in addition to the year-round Sunday and public holiday driving ban for trucks, the summer driving ban on Saturdays has also been back in force since the beginning of July. It applies until the end of August each day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on motorways and federal roads that are particularly prone to congestion. Traffic is expected to be heavy heading south, on routes to the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, and in major urban areas.
Holidaymakers should also expect delays on the most important travel routes abroad, according to ADAC. In Austria, this applies to the Inn Valley motorway and the Brenner motorway, for example. The latter remains heavily congested due to renovation work on the Lueg Bridge.
In Switzerland, long waiting times are expected in particular on the Gotthard route between Basel and Chiasso. In Italy, the Brenner motorway toward Lake Garda and the Adriatic remains prone to traffic jams, as does the route from the Swiss border via Milan to Genoa.
ADAC appealed to travelers to bring enough drinks and plan regular breaks given the high summer temperatures. While stuck in traffic, the interior of the vehicle should be kept as cool as possible. Children and pets must never be left behind in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
