Easter Getaway Warning as 20 Million Cars Set to Hit UK Roads Despite Fuel Crisis Fears
Motoring services company the RAC has issued a stark warning that this Bank Holiday Easter weekend could be the busiest in years, with an estimated 20.3 million vehicles expected on UK roads on Easter Saturday alone. This forecast comes amid growing concerns over fuel shortages and soaring prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Record Traffic Volumes Predicted
The AA expects 19.6 million drivers to take to the road on Good Friday, approximately half a million more than last year. This number is projected to rise to nearly 20.3 million on Easter Saturday, with Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday also forecast to see extremely heavy traffic. These figures represent the highest Easter travel volumes since 2022, indicating a significant rebound in holiday mobility after a prolonged period of disruption.
An AA poll of more than 13,000 members suggests that while roads will be exceptionally busy, most drivers are planning relatively short journeys. Just over half expect to travel under 50 miles, with only 5% planning trips between 50 and 100 miles. This pattern suggests many families are opting for local destinations rather than long-distance travel, possibly due to economic pressures.
Fuel Price Surge Adds to Travel Woes
The cost of filling up has jumped dramatically following record rises in fuel prices linked to the Iran war. Unleaded petrol has soared by almost 22p per litre since the conflict erupted, reaching an average of 154.45p. Diesel has risen even more sharply, increasing by 43p per litre to an average of 185.23p.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams stated: "Drivers hitting the roads this Easter weekend will be faced with some truly eye-watering fuel prices." These sudden hikes have added approximately £11 to the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car, bringing the total to nearly £84. For diesel vehicles, the increase is around £22 per tank, with some fill-ups now exceeding £100.
Congestion Hotspots and Safety Advice
Key congestion hotspots are expected to include:
- The M6 through Birmingham and north towards Blackpool
- The M25 between the M23 and M40 junctions
- The M5 around Bristol and into the South West
- The A303 in Wiltshire
- The M4 in Wales, which is likely to see increased holiday traffic
Drivers are also advised to check for localised events that could cause additional congestion. AA expert patrol Lee Morley emphasized the importance of vehicle checks: "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. Remember FLOWER – Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber – the key areas to check before any long journey."
Fuel Shortage Concerns and Global Context
An added concern for families is the risk of encountering petrol stations with fuel shortages. While the government and industry chiefs maintain there is no immediate threat to supplies, sporadic reports of forecourts running dry have emerged. The situation is exacerbated by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of globally traded oil passes. Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the strait have raised widespread concerns about future global oil supply stability.
Severe Weather Warnings Compound Travel Challenges
Weather warnings for wind will be in place for much of northern England, North Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on Saturday, with alerts remaining active until midday on Easter Sunday. A yellow warning for snow has also been issued between 3pm Saturday and 3am Sunday, covering northwest Scotland.
Wind gusts of 60-70 mph are expected in affected areas, with potential for gusts up to 90 mph in western Scotland. The national forecaster warns of likely delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport. Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree explained: "Storm Dave will form and rapidly deepen on Saturday as it approaches the UK from the west. By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly. Storm Dave will also bring heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland."
Elsewhere, heavy spells of rain are expected as the system moves eastward across the UK. Authorities advise people to prepare their properties for strong winds and stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to minimize disruption during what promises to be a challenging Easter travel period.
