Easter Bank Holiday Traffic Set for Chaos with 19 Million Journeys
Get ready, Britain! This Easter bank holiday will be the busiest on UK roads since 2022, with over 19 million leisure trips expected, warns the RAC alongside traffic experts INRIX. Schools are out, the long weekend is here, and drivers face severe delays from Thursday 17 April through to Easter Monday.
A Triple Threat of Traffic Jams
The RAC forecasts a staggering 2.7 million trips daily from Thursday 17 April to Saturday 20 April. Sunday sees a slight dip to 2.5 million journeys, with travel surging back to 2.7 million on Monday as holidaymakers head home before school returns.
On top of this, an extra 6.2 million journeys are expected at uncertain times, mostly influenced by the famously unpredictable British weather.
Worst Days & Roads to Avoid
- Thursday 17 April: The worst day for jams, with traffic rising up to 30%. Key trouble spots include the M25 clockwise (J7 Gatwick to J16 M40) with delays of over an hour, plus evening slowdowns on the M6 near Chester and M25 towards Godstone.
- Good Friday (18 April): Major snarl-ups expected from 11am to 1pm on the A303 westbound to Stonehenge (43-minute delays) and the M5 southbound (J15 to J23) where jams could add up to 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Easter Monday (21 April): Homeward chaos peaks around 2:30pm with delays on the M5 northbound (J25 Taunton to J16 Bristol) reaching 58 minutes, and over 30 minutes on the M25 anticlockwise (J4 to Dartford Crossing).
Fuel Prices Could Bring Relief
Bright side? Fuel prices are expected to fall this Easter thanks to sliding global oil costs. However, whether drivers see cheaper prices at the pumps depends on retailers passing on the savings, warns RAC.
Port of Dover Braces for Busy Break
Operation Brock remains active on the M20 until 22 April, directing freight via dedicated lanes at Junction 8 to keep traffic moving.
Doug Bannister, CEO of 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 smoother coach pre-registration, passengers are moving through more quickly this year.”
He urges travellers to stick to main routes and not arrive more than two hours before sailing.
Stay Safe: Breakdown Prevention Tips
- Get your car checked before setting off. Book a visit from RAC Mobile Mechanics at home or work.
- Pack essentials – water, snacks, phone chargers, and an emergency breakdown kit.
Plan Smart to Beat the Worst
Alice Simpson, RAC breakdown spokesperson, advises: “Delays will be significant even if trips are shorter. Plan your journey early or travel late to dodge the worst jams, especially if heading to the West Country, Wales, or Scotland.”
Essential Easter Travel Stats
- 19.5 million leisure trips expected over the bank holiday weekend
- 2.7 million trips per day on peak days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday)
- Traffic hotspot: M25 from Gatwick (J7) to M40 (J16)
- Fuel prices predicted to drop thanks to global oil market trends
