The RAC has issued a warning that this Easter bank holiday will witness the highest number of car journeys since it began tracking motorists in 2014. An estimated 5.6 million trips are planned from Friday to Monday, setting the stage for significant traffic congestion across the UK.
Friday is expected to be the busiest travel day, with 4.62 million leisure car trips forecasted. Bank holiday Monday follows with 3.96 million journeys, while Saturday and Sunday each anticipate around 3.63 million drivers on the road.
Motorways likely to experience severe congestion include the M6 northbound between Liverpool and the Lake District, the M25 between Surrey and the M40, and the A303 near Stonehenge. The RAC advises drivers to travel early or late to avoid peak traffic jams.
Rail chaos is contributing to the surge in road traffic. Major rail engineering works between London and Birmingham, along with potential rail strikes in Scotland and northern England, are expected to push more people onto the roads. Additionally, football fans travelling to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final will add to the congestion.
Fuel prices remain a concern for drivers, with petrol and diesel costs at record highs. As a result, 6% of drivers plan to avoid car trips altogether this weekend. One in five intend to drive shorter distances, over a quarter plan to reduce car usage, and a third will adopt more economical driving habits to save money.
Vehicle maintenance is another critical issue. Shockingly, only 19% of drivers always check their cars before Easter trips. Half do so sometimes, but 30% never check their vehicles, increasing the risk of breakdowns that could spoil their holiday plans. The RAC recommends all drivers quickly inspect oil, coolant, tyre pressure, and tread depth before setting off.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “After two quiet Easters, traffic is bouncing back. Combine that with rail disruption and huge sporting events, and we’re likely facing one of the busiest weekends for years. Early travel is key to avoiding jams, especially for long trips. And don’t ignore vehicle checks – a breakdown can spoil the whole break.”
INRIX analyst Bob Pishue added: “Despite high fuel prices, holiday driving will surge. Expect congestion around cities and hotspots. Plan your journey to avoid the worst delays.”
National Highways director Melanie Clarke warned: “This first bank holiday of the year will bring busy roads. We’re removing over a thousand miles of roadworks to ease traffic. Still, checking tyres before you travel is vital to avoid breakdowns.”
The RAC patrol teams offer top tips to avoid breakdowns:
- Get your car checked: If something feels off, get it fixed before you hit the road. – Ben Aldous, Manchester patrol
- Keep essentials handy: Store your locking wheel nut where you can find it easily. Secure roof boxes, bikes, and pets properly. Use the MyRAC app for fast assistance. – Kevin Andrews, Bath patrol
- Inspect tyres: Check front tyres thoroughly by locking your steering. Never start a trip with car issues. – Stuart Lurc, Salisbury patrol
To dodge or survive traffic jams, consider the following advice:
- Choose your travel time wisely: Avoid peak traffic by travelling early morning or late evening to beat the queues.
- Prepare your vehicle: Check tyre pressure, oil, and coolant. Many breakdowns stem from neglected car maintenance.
- Keep everyone happy: Pack snacks, water, and plan breaks. Hungry or tired passengers fuel in-car tension and arguments.
Originally published by UKNIP.
