Drivers are being warned to brace for long queues over the Easter weekend, as 19.1 million people are expected to travel on Good Friday, leading to significant traffic. The AA anticipates a 15% increase in bank holiday traffic due to Easter falling three weeks later than in 2024. This surge is largely attributed to people’s anticipation of warmer weather this year.
The AA has advised motorists to expect congestion in town and city centers, retail parks, and on major routes such as the M6 at Birmingham, around Blackpool, the south and western section of the M25, the M5 at Bristol, and the A303 in Wiltshire. According to the AA, an estimated 18.5 million people will drive on Easter Saturday and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
To ensure a smooth journey, the AA patrol of the year, Shaun Jones, recommended that drivers conduct simple checks including ensuring properly inflated tires, and correct levels of oil and coolant. He emphasized the importance of vehicle maintenance, particularly with the anticipated high volume of travelers.
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Over the Easter weekend, National Highways has initiated Operation Brock in Kent as part of its traffic management system. This plan involves the implementation of narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit on the M20 motorway to manage traffic flows, particularly in the event of delays at Channel ports. Operation Brock spans a 13-mile stretch of the motorway and includes specific lane directions and contraflow measures to streamline traffic for holidaymakers.
Additionally, VisitEngland revealed that around 10.6 million British adults are planning a holiday within the UK over the bank holiday period, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the economy. However, around 3.4 million individuals are uncertain about booking an overnight domestic Easter trip, primarily due to concerns about the weather and cost.
Network Rail’s engineering work will impact Easter train journeys, particularly at London Euston, where services to and from Milton Keynes will be suspended on Easter Saturday and Sunday, with reduced services on Good Friday and Easter Monday. The West Coast Main Line services, meanwhile, will operate between Carlisle and the north, with replacement buses serving other stations.
Flight-wise, there are 11,282 scheduled departures from UK airports between Good Friday and Easter Monday, marking a 6% increase from last year. However, this figure remains 4% lower than Easter 2019. The popular international destinations for UK departures this Easter include Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca.
With the increased travel and various disruptions across transportation options, both travelers and transport authorities are gearing up for a busy Easter weekend.