Over 21m leisure journeys are expected to take place over the Easter weekend despite soaring fuel prices and poor weather conditions
Drivers have been warned to expect delays on the M4 this Easter weekend (Image: John Myers)
Millions of drivers are expected to take to the road ahead of a windy Easter weekend with Storm Dave forecast to bring gusts of up to 90mph to Wales. The RAC has predicted that nearly 21m leisure journeys are planned to take place between Thursday and Easter Monday, with drivers not being put off by a surge in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The RAC said the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts on Wednesday was 184.2p, up 29% since the war started on February 28. Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16% over the same period. See their advice here.
Over a million more trips are planned than last year, with the roads this Easter expected to be busiest since 2022, according to a study by the RAC and the traffic analytics specialists Inrix.
The traffic and motoring experts have warned that one stretch of the M4 will be one of the congestion hotspots as families look to get away spend the bank holiday weekend.
This is despite the weather looking like it will be poor for much of the bank holiday, with plenty of rain and strong winds in the forecast. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning covering north Wales from 5pm on Saturday until 7am on Sunday.
In total the RAC expect 21m leisure journeys to be taken at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend. The RAC calculated the figure based on responses to a survey of 2,219 UK adults conducted between March 20-23, when fuel prices had already risen significantly. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter
Many major roads are expected to be busy on Good Friday, with most people making journeys between 10am and 7pm. On Saturday, April 4, drivers are advised to avoid the roads from 10am to midday when traffic will be at its busiest.
The AA forecast that routes to coastal destinations are likely to be especially busy over Easter, alongside roads around town and city centres, plus major retail sites.
Likely Easter congestion hotspots identified by transport analytics company Inrix include:
- The M4 westbound from the Severn Crossing to Bridgend
- The M25 clockwise from Junction 15 to Junction 19.
- The M5 southbound from Junction 15 to Junction 23.
- The M40 northbound from Junction 12 to the M42.
- The M1 southbound from Junction 16 to Junction 6.
As families return from their Easter trips on Easter Monday, the roads are expected to be busy once again. Delays of over an hour (65 minutes) are expected at midday in the south west on the M5 northbound between J25 for Taunton and J15 at the RAC tower.
The RAC said the cost of filling up a typical 55-litre family car with diesel is about £19 higher than on Good Friday last year, while a tank of petrol is £8 more expensive. It commissioned a survey indicating that 31% of UK drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel costs. But only 6% expect to drive shorter distances because of the issue, and another 6% said they will stop driving.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it’s often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family.
“While a significant number of drivers are concerned about rising fuel prices, a much smaller contingent are actually changing their plans this Easter as a result. We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday, when many schools break up.”
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “After what feels like a very long, wet winter, lots of families are looking forward to the Easter break. With more than 20 million journeys expected on the busiest days, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest Easters on the roads in recent years.”
Mr Morley urged drivers to carry out vehicle checks before setting off, such as fuel, lights, oil, water and tyres.
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