Travelers should brace themselves for substantial delays this Easter weekend as nearly 20 million drivers are anticipated to be on the roads on Good Friday alone. The AA is predicting a significant increase in traffic, estimating a 15% rise compared to last year’s holiday period – a consequence of Easter falling later and the allure of potentially warmer weather.
This surge in vehicle volume will impact major routes across the country as families seek out long weekend getaways. While recent pleasant conditions are expected to give way to more unsettled weather, millions are already preparing for their journeys.
Areas of Particular Concern:
- M6 around Birmingham
- Blackpool area
- South and western sections of the M25 between the M23 and M40
- M5 near Bristol
- A303 in Wiltshire
According to AA research, 19.1 million journeys are expected on Good Friday, followed by 18.5 million on Easter Saturday. Roughly 18.2 million drivers are anticipated to be on the roads each on Easter Sunday and Monday.
To mitigate potential bottlenecks, National Highways has activated Operation Brock in Kent. This traffic management system utilizes narrowed lanes and a reduced speed limit of 50mph over a 13-mile stretch of the M20 between Junctions 8 and 9. Trucks bound for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must adhere to specific signage, utilizing designated lanes at Junction 8. Other coastal traffic will be directed into a contraflow system on the London-bound carriageway.
“With so many people planning to travel this Easter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition,” advised AA patrol of the year, Shaun Jones.
He strongly encourages drivers to conduct “simple checks” before embarking on their trips. These include:
- Ensuring tyres are properly inflated
- Checking oil and coolant levels
Preventative maintenance can help avoid breakdowns during the busy holiday period.
Beyond easing traffic concerns, the Easter break is expected to provide a considerable boost to the UK’s tourism sector. VisitEngland projects that approximately 10.6 million British adults will take an overnight trip within the country this Easter, generating an estimated £3.9 billion for the economy.
Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitEngland, noted that affordability and weather forecasts remain key factors influencing booking decisions for the remaining 3.4 million individuals who are still undecided. She stated: “Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much-needed cash flow after the lean winter months, so it’s encouraging to see many of us are planning a holiday at home.”
