Travel Route in rush hour advice (South)

[wilz1234]

Hi people,

Been designated driver for a uni trip tomorrow. Going from Bath to Bayford Meadows (Kent).

Google maps seems to suggest going M4-M25-M26, but going A26-A303-M3-M25-M26 seems to be a shorter route. I know the A26 and A303 well, but not in rush hour traffic.

Anyone with experience of these roads in rush hour know which way is likely to be quicker?

Cheers,
Will


Edit: Wasn't sure whether this should be in Random banter or dear auntie BCF
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RS50 - ZXR400 - ZXR 400 - ZX7R - Bandit 600 - NTV 650

[fatjames]

Can't help you, sorry. It might be worth posting in the south west forum too.

[P.]

I'd bang on to the M4, it is what I did on way back from Plymouth.

That is a LONG way for some ghetto karting?! I live 10 mins from there

Subject to no traffic, M4>M25>M26>M20>A249 is my chosen route.

[Tungtvann]

One of the worst bits on that route is on the M25 between the M3 and M4 junctions. If you're going to get stuck, it'll be there.

[noobRider]

The A303 is ok but it's a long way south of Bath so the M4 might be better for you, despite that M4-M3 bit of the M25.
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AnPhonEh: I need plans, I need contingency plans also, I need back up contingency plans

[G]

[wilz1234]

Cheers for the replies. I think I'll take the lower road to avoid that section of M25 then. Wish I was on the bike, then it wouldnt matter xD
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[spikenipple]

The 303 during rush hour is a massive pain in the ass due to the parts where 2 lanes merge into 1. I'd take the M4 but get off before the M25 and take a major A road if possible.
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[G]

If I'm taking the M4 to the South of London I would normally take the A329 over to the M3, to avoid that section.

However, don't think I've ever done it in a car during rushhour.

[Ballpien]

A36 - A303 - M5 > J5 - A287 - A31 - A3 - M25 - M26 - M20 - A249 - B2006.

Avoid the top of the M3 by using J5 > A287, the approach to Londinium/M25 can get very messy in the morning. Most of it wants the 25 but it will queue across 3 lanes rather hampering your progress.

You'll likely catch traffic on the M25 anywhere between the A3 and the M26 It'll be stop start past Leatherhead > Reigate which is just congestion for the works between J7 and J5. Once in the works it tends to be free flowing.

When you're clear of that (could take an hour if the rest of the M25 and the local area is incident free), then you should breeze the rest of the way*.


*unless the French have gone on strike again...all of which renders this entire post null and void.

[weasley]

[wots]

Feel free to flame, but this what I do to get from Reading to A3 junction on M25 regularly, you can then carry on round the M25.

M4 > M25 after coming round and over if the traffic is chocker there, stay in the left hand lane and carry on straight, you'll come to a roundabout with traffic lights, you can rejoin the M25 on the slip road, it's straightish dodging a load of traffic, then do the same at the next junction, off and then on again. When you join the M25 this time, stay in the lefthand lane, no matter what. The righthand lane will look quicker at times, don't move just stay there doing what is probably the speed limit or just below. Eventually just before the M3 off slip (which you are currently in), re-join the M25 in a safe spot without making others have to brake hard.
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[syl]

I live in Taunton, so almost on the A303. If travelling to Gatwick, 9 times out of ten I'll take the M5/M4/M25. On the way back if the M25 is shitty between the M3 and M4 I'll come back on the M3/A303 because I'm impatient, but the A303 is a pain and I'll usually regret it. It needs to be turned into a dual carriageway all the way.
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Current bike: Kawasaki Z750S

[Tungtvann]

Yeah, it's normally really great up until Amesbury.