Thousands of Bradford trippers taking advantage of late summer sun are expected to hit the roads for the Bank Holiday weekend.

But road organisations have warned drivers to be prepared for delays and traffic jams as the holiday exodus begins.

If the weekend weather is good, as expected, roads out of Bradford to tourist destinations like Scarborough, Blackpool and the Yorkshire Dales are likely to be heavily congested.

Nationally, it is estimated 10 million holidaymakers will use the last bank holiday of the summer to head for the coast this weekend.

Weather forecasters have predicted a warm sunny few days with temperatures building up to 24C on Sunday and Monday. Cloud may restrict the amount of sun breaking through but a ridge of high pressure building over most of the country will guarantee a warm weekend break.

Roadworks on major routes to the coast such as the M62 and A64 could mean holidaymakers sweating in their cars rather than sunning themselves on the beach.

Lane restrictions and speed limits on the M62 between junctions 28 and 29 could lead to long queues for those heading for seaside sun at Blackpool.

Roadworks on the A64 heading towards York and Scarborough are also likely to bring similar delays.

The AA has warned staff to monitor coastal and Dales routes for problems if the weekend weather is good.

Mike Kelly, AA Road Watch area manager for the north, said: "Although the actual number of traffic incident reports are expected to be down over the holiday break, and certain roadworks will be lifted, the many motorists travelling to and returning from their holidays will mean long delays."

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Dales National Park said staff at Malham's visitor centre are braced for double the number of trippers to visit the Malham Show this weekend.

Weekend Events

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, 10am to 4pm, Saturday and

Sunday, Friends of Thomas The Tank Engine Day.

The Great Pram Race, aid of Epilepsy Association, starts from Black Bull

Pub, Cowling, 11.30am on Sunday.

East Riddlesden Hall, Riddlesden, Sunday, 2pm to 4pm, costumed tours and

dancing. Monday, noon to 4pm, circus skill outdoor show, call (01535) 607075 for details.

Baildon Rally, Baildon Moor, featuring 800 bikers, meet Sunday 2.45pm

Baildon roundabout.

Charity rugby match, Clayton Middle School playing field, Monday, 3pm.

Bingley By The Sea, White Horse pub, Bingley, Monday. The seaside comes

to Bingley in aid of T&A-backed Millennium Scanner Appeal.

Haworth Carnival, Monday, 11am to 5pm.Windhill Gala, Windhill Cricket

Club, Busy Lane, Monday.

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