European vacationers encountered a challenging start to their summer getaways this weekend as packed motorways and heatwaves caused widespread disruptions across the continent, Euronews reported.
Black Saturday for European roads, families from various countries embarked on their journeys southwards, creating massive traffic jams in popular holiday destinations.
In Germany, the vacation season kicked off in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, prompting hordes of holidaymakers to head southward, passing through Salzburg in Austria and leading to extensive traffic congestion, notably on the Tauern motorway.
While traffic has seen improvements over the years during peak travel weekends, the increasing trend of holidaymakers spreading their journeys throughout the week has somewhat mitigated the situation.
Meanwhile, in the UK, approximately 17,000 people ventured through the Dover port on July 29 en route to France. Unfortunately, ferry passengers had to endure long waiting times at the border, with officials warning that waiting times could stretch up to two hours upon arrival at the English port. Despite the delays, authorities urged travelers not to arrive more than three hours before their scheduled sail time.
France, too, experienced a major influx of travelers, causing a total length of traffic jams stretching a staggering 1,000 kilometers across the country this weekend. Additionally, holiday-goers hoping to avoid the congested roads found themselves stranded at the Paris-Montparnasse train station due to "weather-related disruptions."
One notable incident occurred on July 29 when a train arriving from Bordeaux was delayed by three hours, inconveniencing passengers in the middle of the day.
The disruptive traffic conditions were further exacerbated by the ongoing heatwaves in several European countries. The combination of heavy traffic and scorching temperatures posed significant challenges for holidaymakers, leading to frustration and delays.
Authorities in affected regions have been working diligently to manage the traffic flow and ensure the safety of travelers during these trying times. However, with the peak summer vacation season in full swing, it is essential for travelers to plan their journeys carefully, taking into account potential delays and adverse weather conditions.
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