Record-Breaking Easter Bank Holiday Traffic Ahead
The RAC warns this Easter bank holiday will see the highest number of car journeys since it began tracking motorists in 2014. Get ready for gridlock with an estimated 5.6 million trips planned from Friday to Monday.
Friday Set to Be the Busiest Travel Day
Good Friday will top the charts with 4.62 million leisure car trips. Bank holiday Monday follows with 3.96 million journeys. Saturday and Sunday each expect around 3.63 million drivers on the road.
Expect clogged motorways like the M6 north between liverpool/" title="Liverpool" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Liverpool and the Lake District, the M25 between Surrey and the M40, and the A303 near Stonehenge. The RAC urges drivers to travel early or late to dodge peak congestion.
Rail Chaos and Big Events Boost Road Traffic
Major rail engineering between London and Birmingham, plus possible rail strikes in Scotland and northern England, will force many onto the roads. Football fans heading to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final will also add to the jams.
Fuel Prices Hit Drivers Hard
Record-high petrol and diesel prices mean 6% of drivers plan to skip car trips altogether this weekend. One in five say they’ll drive shorter distances. Over a quarter plan to use their cars less, and a third will drive more economically to save cash.
Check Your Car or Risk a Breakdown
Shockingly, only 19% of drivers always check their cars before Easter trips. Half do it sometimes, but 30% never check, risking breakdowns that could ruin their weekend. The RAC advises all drivers to quickly inspect oil, coolant, tyre pressure, and tread depth before hitting the road.
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.”
RAC Patrol Top Tips to Avoid a Break Down
- 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
How to Dodge – or Survive – the Traffic Jams
1 Choose your travel time wisely Avoid peak traffic by travelling early morning or late evening to beat the queues. 2 Prepare your vehicle Check tyre pressure, oil, and coolant. Many breakdowns stem from neglected car maintenance. 3 Keep everyone happy Pack snacks, water, and plan breaks. Hungry or tired passengers fuel in-car tension and arguments.
