According to the RAC, nearly 21 million leisure trips are planned across the UK—making it the busiest Easter getaway since 2022, despite rising fuel prices.

When will roads be busiest?

Traffic is expected to build from Thursday afternoon, as schools break up, with particularly heavy congestion forecast on Good Friday. However, road conditions are likely to remain consistently busy throughout the entire bank holiday weekend.

Drivers are being advised to set off early, with major routes expected to see high traffic volumes from 10:00 BST on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Monday.

Efforts to ease congestion

In an effort to reduce delays, National Highways has announced it will suspend roadworks on around 1,500 miles of roads over the Easter period.

Expected delays on key routes

Motorists using major routes should prepare for significant delays. The RAC warns that:

• Journeys on the M5 southbound between junction 15 (Almondsbury Interchange) and junction 23 (Bridgwater) could take over 50 minutes longer around lunchtime on Good Friday
• Return travel on Easter Monday may be even worse, with delays of more than an hour expected between junction 25 (Taunton) and junction 15 at midday

Top tip

If you’re planning to travel, consider leaving earlier or later than peak times, allow extra time for your journey, and check traffic updates before setting off.

With careful planning, you can avoid the worst of the congestion and enjoy a smoother Easter getaway.