A Monday drive home can change character quickly. A bright, warm afternoon may become low evening sun, slower traffic and an overnight closure that begins while you are still travelling. On 3 August, the Met Office forecast for Epsom shows sunny intervals, about 26°C at 4pm and around 24°C at 7pm, with a 20% or lower chance of rain during the afternoon and evening. Conditions will vary across the UK, so check the local forecast for your complete route before leaving.
National Highways also lists several evening works starting on 3 August. The A23 northbound between the A2300 Hickstead Interchange and Bolney is due to close overnight from 8pm to 6am. The A27 westbound between Fontwell West and Boxgrove is also listed for overnight closure, while the M6 southbound between junctions 6 and 5 is scheduled for weeknight work. Planned closures can change at short notice, so use the latest official traffic information rather than relying on an old screenshot.
1. Check the route before joining the queue
Look at the live route while parked, confirm the first major junction and note when any planned closure begins. If your arrival could overlap the works, set a suitable diversion before moving and allow extra time. Check that the revised route works for the vehicle, fuel or battery range and any height or weight restrictions.
Do not follow another driver through an unfamiliar turn simply because traffic is moving. Follow official signs and navigation, then choose a safe place to stop if the route needs to be reviewed.
2. Reduce glare before it becomes a surprise
The Highway Code says to slow down and, if necessary, stop when dazzled by bright sunlight. Clean the windscreen inside and out, clear dust from mirrors and make sure washer fluid and wipers are ready. A film on the glass can scatter low sunlight and make signs, brake lights and lane markings harder to read.
Use the sun visor and keep sunglasses within reach before starting, but never use dark lenses at night or in poor visibility if they restrict your view. Increase the following gap, avoid sudden lane changes and expect drivers ahead to slow as the sun drops towards the horizon.
3. Manage warmth and tiredness together
Rule 237 advises keeping the vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Set cabin ventilation while parked and carry drinking water for the journey. If concentration drops, take a proper break in a service area or another place designed for parking. Fresh air, loud music or an open window is not a substitute for rest.
Before leaving work, walk around the car. Look for visible tyre damage, check lights and indicators, and secure bags, bottles and loose items so they cannot move under braking. Confirm that your phone is charged and that a passenger can handle navigation changes without distracting the driver.
Keep essential roadside items together
JUFO 3-in-1 Roadside Breakdown Kit – £17.95
This compact kit combines a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and car escape tool. Store it securely where it can be reached without unloading the boot. If a vehicle problem develops on a motorway, the Highway Code says to leave at the next exit or use a service area if possible. Never place a warning triangle on a motorway carriageway.
4. Know the safer breakdown sequence
If the vehicle develops a problem, aim for a place of relative safety. Switch on hazard warning lights if the vehicle is causing an obstruction. If you cannot reach an exit or service area, move left towards an emergency area or hard shoulder if possible, stop as far left as you safely can, and follow the Highway Code guidance to get left, get safe and get help.
Do not attempt to retrieve an object from a live motorway lane. Stay aware of traffic, use the side furthest from moving vehicles when exiting if it is safe, and contact the appropriate emergency or recovery service.
Monday evening departure checklist
- Live traffic, closure times and local weather checked.
- Diversion set before moving and extra time allowed.
- Windscreen, mirrors, lights, washers and wipers checked.
- Fuel or charge covers the revised route.
- Sun visor, suitable sunglasses and water ready.
- Loose items secured and roadside kit reachable.
- A proper service-area stop identified.
A calm drive home starts before the car leaves its bay. Clean the glass, plan around the evening works, leave enough space and keep roadside essentials organised. If the road signs or live conditions differ from your plan, slow down and follow the current instructions.
Sources checked 3 August 2026: Met Office Epsom forecast; National Highways South East and West Midlands maintenance updates; The Highway Code rules 93, 237 and 275–277.
