Record-Breaking Easter Bank Holiday Traffic Predicted
Hold tight, drivers! The Easter bank holiday is set to see the highest number of car trips since the RAC began tracking in 2014. With an estimated 5.6 million leisure journeys planned across the four-day weekend, chaos on the roads looks unavoidable.
Friday to Be the Busiest Day on the Roads
Good Friday will be the busiest day, with around 4.62 million separate car trips, followed by bank holiday Monday at 3.96 million. Saturday and Sunday are expected to churn out roughly 3.63 million trips each. Add to that major rail closures between London and Birmingham and potential strikes in Scotland and northern England, and the pressure on UK roads is about to explode.
Sports fans travelling from Manchester and Liverpool to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday will pile onto the already packed motorways. INRIX highlights hotspots for gridlock including the M6 north between Liverpool and the Lake District, the M25 near Surrey, and the A303 close to Stonehenge.
RAC Warns: Check Your Car or Risk Breaking Down
With traffic expected to crawl, the RAC is urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are “road-ready.” Breakdown risks are high, and no one wants their holiday spoiled by a avoidable car trouble. Regular checks on oil, coolant, and tyre condition could save a nightmare on the motorway.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “This weekend could be one of the busiest for leisure trips in years. With rail disruptions and a major sporting event, the roads will be packed. Early starts or late departures are your best bets to dodge jams. And don’t forget to check your car – a breakdown would only make things worse.”
Fuel Prices Hit Record Highs, Putting Drivers Off
It’s not just the queues drivers are worried about. Petrol and diesel prices have soared to record highs, causing 6% of drivers to ditch their car plans altogether this Easter. Another 20% say they’ll be cutting driving distances or spending less on other Easter treats due to the fuel squeeze. A third are aiming to drive more economically to keep costs down.
Alarmingly, only 1 in 5 drivers always check their car before setting off. Half do so sometimes, while 30% never bother at all – increasing the risk of breakdowns and long delays.
Top Tips to Survive the Easter Bank Holiday Jams
- Plan your travel time: Avoid peak hours by heading out early morning or late evening to dodge the worst traffic.
- Prepare your car: Check tyres, oil, and coolant levels to avoid breakdowns. Poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to let you down.
- Keep passengers happy: Pack snacks, water and plan breaks to curb stress and ‘carguments’ during long trips.
RAC Patrols Share Expert Advice
Ben Aldous, Manchester-based patrol: “If your car’s acting up, get it to a garage before the big drive. Well-maintained cars rarely break down.”
Kevin Andrews, Bath-based patrol: “Keep your locking wheel nut handy for quick tyre changes. Secure all roof racks and keep pets safe with food and water.”
Stuart Lurc, Salisbury-based patrol: “Check your tyres often, especially inner edges. Don’t start a journey if your car has known issues.”
National Highways Scraps Roadworks to Ease Congestion
Melanie Clarke, National Highways customer services director, said: “We expect busy roads for the first bank holiday of the year. To help, we’re lifting over a thousand miles of roadworks. But breakdowns still ruin journeys, so check your tyres before you set off.”
Expect delays, pack your patience, and don’t fuel your trip with dodgy car prep this Easter!
