This year’s Easter bank holiday is set to be the busiest on UK roads since 2022, with over 19 million leisure journeys expected to take place, according to research by the RAC and traffic data analysts INRIX.
With schools finishing and a long weekend on the horizon, motorists are being warned to brace for severe delays from Thursday 17 April through Easter Monday.
Key Travel Predictions: A ‘Hat-Trick of Hold-Ups’
The RAC estimates 2.7 million trips will be made each day from Thursday 17th to Saturday 20th April, with a dip to 2.5 million on Easter Sunday. A further 2.7 million journeys are predicted for Bank Holiday Monday as people return home ahead of the school term.
An additional 6.2 million journeys are also expected, but travellers are undecided on exact travel times, likely depending on the famously unpredictable British weather.
Worst Times and Roads to Travel
Thursday 17 April is forecast to be the worst day, with traffic increasing by up to 30%, particularly:
- M25 clockwise between J7 (Gatwick) and J16 (M40): 1+ hour delays expected
- M6 near Chester and M25 toward Godstone in the evening
Good Friday (18 April) will see major delays from 11am to 1pm:
- A303 westbound to Stonehenge: 43-minute delays
- M5 southbound (J15 to J23): Up to 1 hour 20 minutes delays
Easter Monday (21 April) sees return traffic peaking around 2:30pm:
- M5 northbound (J25 Taunton to J16 Bristol): Up to 58 minutes extra
- M25 anticlockwise (J4 to Dartford Crossing): 30+ minute delays
Fuel Prices Offer a Silver Lining
Despite the travel chaos and cooler weather, fuel prices are expected to drop thanks to falling oil prices, says RAC. But whether the savings are passed on at the pump depends on retailers.
Port of Dover Prepared for Busy Weekend
Operation Brock remains in effect on the M20 until 22 April, with freight directed via dedicated lanes at J8.
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, said:
“We’re expecting around 5,000 outbound cars on Thursday and 5,500 on Friday morning. Thanks to our teams and improved coach pre-registration, passengers are moving through the port more efficiently this year.”
He also reminded passengers to stick to main routes and arrive no more than two hours before sailing.
Breakdown Prevention Advice
The RAC urges drivers to check their vehicles before departure:
- Book a check-up with RAC Mobile Mechanics, who can repair or service vehicles at home or work.
- Carry essentials: water, food, phone chargers, and emergency breakdown kits.
Plan Ahead
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said:
“Although getaways may be shorter, delays will be significant. Plan early or travel late to avoid the worst of it—especially if heading to the West Country, Wales or Scotland.”
Key Stats
- 19.5m leisure trips expected over Easter weekend
- 2.7m trips/day on peak days (Thu, Fri, Sat, Mon)
- Worst hotspot: M25 Gatwick to M40 stretch
- Fuel prices: Predicted to drop due to global oil trends
