Nation starts moving for big bank holiday weekend

The great bank holiday getaway began yesterday, despite forecasters predicting poor weather, with many people seeking to make the most of a four day break.

Fewer people than expected had left the country as many stayed at home for the start of the World Cup as well as the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations. Around 1.5 million people escaped Britain for the extended break.

Temperatures could reach 25C (77F) today and 20C (68F) tomorrow on the eastern side of Britain. But unsettled weather is due to arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

A spokesman for AA Roadwatch said roads to the West Country were likely to be busy this morning.

"The thing is, a lot of the traffic is governed by the weather," said the spokesman. "There are two reasonable days forecast on Saturday and Sunday, but the weather is going to go downhill on Monday and Tuesday.

"This will dictate whether people head for the coast and amusement parks or to cinemas and shopping centres if it is raining." He said people needed to be aware of jubilee events taking place locally, which might affect traffic.

The met office expected a warm and sunny start for England and Wales, while parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland would remain cloudy with some rain. There will be thunderstorms and showers in England and Wales tomorrow which will herald a change to unsettled weather for the rest of the jubilee celebrations.

Nigel Reed, head of forecasting at the met office, said: "Although a large part of Britain will begin warm and sunny, unfortunately unsettled conditions will reach all of us during Sunday. Those who are organising or attending outdoor activities next week should keep a close eye on our weather conditions."

Disruption to some train services in northern England is expected today when conductors stop work over pay.

Arriva Trains Northern said it shared the frustration of its customers across the north who would be hit by the walkout. Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union have organised a 24 hour stoppage after rejecting a 4% wage offer.

Bob Crow, the union's general secretary, described the offer as outrageous and said it did not bridge the gap between different grades at the company.

But Arriva estimated that 55% of its services would run tomorrow, covering three-quarters of the network.

Ray Price, managing director of the company, said: "We are very disappointed that the RMT continues to reject our significantly increased offer and has instructed its members to strike on the first day of the golden jubilee weekend - one of the most important bank holidays the UK has seen for many years."