MOTORISTS taking to the roads of North and East Yorkshire over the Bank Holiday weekend are being warned they could face a traffic nightmare.

Transport experts say a range of factors look set to conspire against road users hoping for a hassle-free journey.

Nick Simmons, from the Integrated Transport Information Service, said: "The August Bank Holiday weekend brings together a unique set of circumstances which will pose major headaches for anyone travelling by road.

"Families will be looking to make the most of the remainder of the school holidays, while others will be returning from their main holidays both at home and abroad.

"It's also traditionally a major weekend for numerous events and the likelihood of sunny weather will drive many people onto the roads in search of a great day out or weekend away."

But with the PA Weathercentre predicting unsettled rainy weather for Saturday and Sunday and a mostly dry outlook for Monday, but still with a chance of showers, sunny weather looks to be the least of the Bank Holiday motorist's worries.

AA Roadwatch spokesman Jason Cullen said: "It is the last Bank Holiday before Christmas and it is a lot of people's last chance to get away before the end of the school holidays, but it will all come down to the weather.

"Traditionally, a lot of people wait to see what the weather is like and go at the last minute.

"If it is a glorious, sunny weekend, people will inevitably head for the coast and it will get very busy."

Coast routes which could be hit by heavy traffic flows include the A64, the A166 and the A165.

Drivers are advised to stagger their journeys in a bid to miss any delays and take supplies to help them through any road snarl-ups.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "The August Bank Holiday weekend is always a testing time for the county and its roads, particularly if the weather is good. At the moment we have no reason to say that this year's will be any better or worse than previous years."

Most lanes on the UK's motorway and trunk road network will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend in a bid to help traffic flow freely, the Highways Agency has announced.

Motorists are urged to plan journeys in advance.

The latest advice on roadworks and conditions on the network is available on the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30 from 9am until 5pm over the Bank Holiday weekend.