The UK’s worst Easter traffic hotspots revealed as AA warns drivers

Drivers could face some of the longest queues of the year this Easter[1] with almost 20 million people expected to hit the road on Good Friday alone. The AA said Easter weekend being three weeks later than in 2024 will "bump up bank holiday traffic by 15%" as many people hope for warmer weather this year. But these hopes may be dashed after a period of settled and warmer weather, forecasters expected a return to unsettled conditions next weekend with some rain.

The AA anticipated 19.1 million people will drive on Good Friday, 18.5 million on Easter Saturday and 18.2 million on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. ADVERTISEMENT The figures are based on responses to a survey of 11,233 AA members.

Some local authorities are deploying traffic control measures to reduce congestion. (PA)

Thousands of Easter train journeys will be disrupted as Network Rail is carrying out engineering work. The most significant impact will be at London Euston[2] - the UK's 10th busiest railway station - which will have no services to or from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, with a reduced timetable on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Services on the West Coast Main Line will start and terminate at Carlisle, with replacement buses serving stations to the north.

Where will the worst traffic be?

The AA advised motorists to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks and major routes such as the M6 at Birmingham and around the Blackpool area, the south and western section of the M25 between the M23 and M40, the M5 at Bristol and the A303 in Wiltshire. ADVERTISEMENT National Highways has deployed the traffic management system Operation Brock in Kent ahead of the Easter getaway period to try and avoid major backlogs.

The scheme involves narrow lanes and a reduced 50mph speed limit. It is designed to manage traffic flows on the M20 motorway in the event of delays at Channel ports, which are seeing high demand from holidaymakers. Operation Brock is in place on a 13-mile stretch of the motorway between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford.

Lorries heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are being directed to follow signs to join a specific lane at Junction 8. All other traffic for the coast crosses over to enter the contraflow on the London-bound carriageway.

Where will drivers be going?

Tourism authority VisitEngland said around 10.6 million British adults are planning to take a holiday in the UK over the bank holiday period. ADVERTISEMENT

That is expected to provide an estimated GBP3.9 billion boost to the economy. A further 3.4 million people are undecided about whether to book an overnight domestic Easter trip, with the most common reasons being waiting to see what the weather will be and if they can afford it. VisitEngland chief executive Patricia Yates said: "Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much-needed cash flow after the lean winter months, so it's encouraging to see many of us are planning a holiday at home.

Mallorca is one of the most popular destinations for Brits during Easter. (Getty)

Aviation analytics company Cirium said 11,282 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports between Good Friday and Easter Monday. That is 6% more than last year's Easter but remains 4% down from Easter 2019. The most common international destinations for UK departures this Easter are Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca.[3]

Tips for handling long journeys and busy roads this Easter

AA patrol of the year Shaun Jones advised drivers to carry out "simple checks" such as ensuring tyres are properly inflated, and levels of oil and coolant are correct.

ADVERTISEMENT He said: "With so many people planning to travel this Easter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition." It is also worth making sure you have enough water and maybe a snack if you're going to be stuck in traffic for a long time.

It is also worth planning ahead, several apps nowadays can give detailed reports on traffic and planning alternate routes could save a lot of time. Jones said: "Drivers can check for congestion and plan their route using the AA Routeplanner on the AA app. The app now has a fuel finder feature which allows drivers to compare fuel prices at local filling stations, and locate EV chargers along their route."

References

1. ^ Easter (uk.news.yahoo.com)
2. ^ Network Rail is carrying out engineering work.

   The most significant impact will be at London Euston (www.yahoo.com)

3. ^ for UK departures this Easter are Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca. (uk.news.yahoo.com)