MOTORISTS are facing yet more traffic misery today with thousands taking to Hampshire roads for a Bank Holiday getaway.

The promise of warm weather and a long weekend sparked traffic jams on Hampshire roads from Friday morning with road chiefs warning today will be even worse.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said today loo0ks set to be the busiest day of the year on the south's roads, with tens of thousands expected to make a dash for the New Forest and south coats beaches.

In particular the agency was warning that the M27 westbound, M3 southbound and A31 through the forest would be particularly busy and long tailbacks were to be expected.

Yesterday congestion was made worse by two serious accidents, particularly one on the A31 near Ringwood where delays of several hours were being experienced after a tanker containing 2,000 litres of diesel rolled onto its side blocking the entire carriageway.

Traffic is expected to remain heavy throughout today and into tomorrow, with the Highways Agency warning the county's smaller coastal roads could bare the brunt later in the day.

The Met Office is predicting warm, sunny weather over much of the weekend, with temperatures set to climb to 24C or even 25C.

BLOB: AN air ambulance helicopter was called last night after three cars collided during rush hour on the M27 near Southampton.

Two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the crash which happened at around 5.13pm on the eastbound carriageway at junction 2.

Ambulance crews treated a further two motorists at the scene while police and highways staff attempted to clear the area.