UK Braces for Busiest Easter Roads Since 2022 Amid Fuel Price Surge
Motorists across the United Kingdom are being warned to prepare for the most congested Easter period on the roads in four years. Despite soaring fuel costs, millions of leisure journeys are planned, creating potential chaos on major routes. The RAC estimates that nearly 21 million car trips for leisure purposes will take place between Thursday and Easter Monday, marking the highest volume of Easter traffic since 2022.
Fuel Costs and Travel Intentions
Oil prices have climbed to as much as 120 dollars per barrel, largely due to Iran's actions impacting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher costs at petrol stations. The RAC reports that filling a typical 55-litre family car with diesel is about £19 more expensive than on Good Friday last year, while a tank of petrol costs £8 more. A survey commissioned by the RAC indicates that 31% of UK drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel prices, yet only 6% plan to drive shorter distances, and another 6% said they will stop driving altogether.
Sean Kimberlin, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, commented: "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."
Congestion Forecasts and Hotspots
The AA predicts that road congestion will peak on Thursday, with an estimated 21.7 million journeys of all types expected. Drivers embarking on early bank holiday getaways will contend for road space with regular commuters on the final working day of the week. To avoid the worst congestion, motorists are advised to set off before 10am if possible. The AA forecasts that routes to coastal destinations, roads around town and city centres, and major retail sites will be especially busy over Easter.
Transport analytics company Inrix has identified likely Easter congestion hotspots, including:
- The M4 westbound from the Severn Crossing to Bridgend, South Wales.
- 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.
To ease journeys, National Highways will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks from its network of motorways and major A roads in England between Thursday and Easter Monday.
Vehicle Checks and Alternative Travel Disruptions
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, urged drivers to carry out essential vehicle checks before setting off, such as inspecting fuel levels, lights, oil, water, and tyres. He 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."
Meanwhile, thousands of Easter train journeys will be disrupted by Network Rail's six-day shutdown on the West Coast Main Line. Engineering work means no intercity services will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes from Good Friday to Wednesday April 8, with trains resuming on Thursday April 9. Engineers will deliver more than 270 upgrade projects across Britain over Easter, including no WCML services between Preston and Lancaster on Saturday or Easter Sunday.
Air Travel and Holiday Trends
EasyJet is preparing for its busiest Easter getaway, with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school break. Popular destinations include Tenerife and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, as well as Alicante and Malaga in mainland Spain. Holiday company On the Beach reported a surge in last-minute bookings for departures this week, with destinations like Greece and Turkey offering standout value alongside favourites such as Spain, the Canaries, and Portugal.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, noted: "With the UK weather showing no signs of improving, it's no surprise we've seen a surge in people snapping up last-minute sunshine breaks." The RAC expects traffic levels to remain consistently high from Thursday, when many schools break up, underscoring the widespread desire for travel despite economic pressures.
