Prepare for traffic chaos this Easter! More than 14 million Brits are hitting the roads over the upcoming bank holiday, promising major travel headaches. The RAC warns that popular routes could take double the usual time as families kick off a two-week school holiday.
Traffic Jams Set to Ruin Easter Getaways
With 2.6 million leisure car trips expected on Good Friday alone, congestion will be brutal. The worst delays are predicted Thursday afternoon, from 2pm to 7pm, hitting hotspots like the West Country, the Lake District, and the south coast. The M25’s western stretch will be gridlocked, with journeys stretching beyond two hours in peak time.
Rail Troubles on Top of Road Woes
It’s not just the roads – train disruption is looming too. Network Rail is shutting the southern section of the West Coast Main Line from Good Friday through Easter Monday for engineering work, leaving travellers scrambling for alternatives.
Expert Tips to Dodge the Delays
- Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson: “If you can, delay your Thursday departure until evening or set off early on Good Friday for a smoother trip.”
- Bob Pishue, Inrix transport analyst: “Avoid peak commuter hours and expect longer journeys over the whole Easter weekend.”
VisitEngland reveals that some 11 million people are planning overnight Easter trips, pumping an estimated £3.2 billion into the economy. But the cost might just be hours stuck in snarled traffic.
Drivers are urged to plan carefully, stay alert, and expect travel times to balloon. Easter may be a time for fun, but this year, the roads are ready to test everyone’s patience.
