Bank holiday Monday on August 26 will be the last of three bank holidays in the UK before the end of 2019. Fortunately for many, the day is expected to be sunny, a departure from the current gloomy forecasts for most of the British Isles. Most people will take advantage of the last government-sanctioned day off with a barbecue or day out with their family. However, those hoping to travel may be let down by both roads and trains.

Kings Cross, one of the busiest train stations in the country, will run on reduced services as rail maintenance commences on some of its tracks.

Train networks are urging passengers to avoid routes along the East Coast Main Line over the weekend.

Network Rail engineering works will mean there are no trains between London and Peterborough on Saturday and Sunday.

LNER issued a “do not travel” warning and said it would operate on severely reduced service during this time.

On Monday, LNER will operate a reduced service across the East Coast, but would still be “very busy all day”.

Track placement near Milton Keynes and Macclesfield will also reduce the number of trains at London Euston, with Virgin Trains warning of crowded services.

Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: “There is never a convenient time to close parts of the railway.

“We are very aware that bank holiday engineering work affects many people who will have wanted to make the most of the long weekend.”

“But the only reasons we do the work then is because it affects far fewer people than closure on a normal working day.

“We plan to use every minute of the closures to work towards delivering a service that our passengers deserve and most of the railway network will be open as usual.

“Only some routes will be closed, so if you are thinking about travelling please plan ahead.”

Roads are expected to be similarly chaotic over the weekend and on bank holiday Monday.

The AA warned thousands of people would use the day to travel for holidays around the country, causing potentially severe congestion.

George Flinton, AA patrol of the year, said: “The August bank holiday weekend is always busy on the roads.

“Traffic is likely to build up on Friday evening as people set off early to make the most of the weekend, and will be busy again for the return on Monday afternoon, so allow plenty of time if you’re travelling then.

“Routes to coastal resorts and countryside beauty spots are usually among the busiest and there will be localised congestion around events, especially at finish time, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the journey.”

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