Biggest M4 delays for four years expected on Easter bank holiday

Easter bank holiday expected to be UK’s busiest on roads in four years

Drivers are being warned to expect delays this Easter, with roads expected to be the busiest they have been over the bank holiday in four years, despite a surge in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Drivers are planning nearly 21m leisure journeys between Thursday and Easter Monday, 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.

Over a million more trips are planned than last year, with the roads this Easter expected to be busiest since 2022.

In total the RAC expect 21m leisure journeys to be taken at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend. It added that with early indications that the weather could warm up in time for the weekend, the number of ad hoc journeys could rise.

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.

The AA predicted that traffic during the Easter period will peak on Thursday. Drivers getting a head start on bank holiday getaways will compete for road space with commuters on what is the last working day of the week.

They are advised to set off before 10am if possible to avoid the worst of the congestion. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

Many major roads are expected to remain 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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