Easter Travel Chaos Grips UK Motorways with Major Delays on M6 and M20
Britons setting off on Easter getaways are encountering severe disruptions on key motorways, with the M6 and M20 experiencing significant delays and closures due to serious incidents. Emergency services are actively managing multiple collision sites, leading to extended travel times and widespread congestion.
M6 Toll Northbound Incident and Ongoing Closures
A serious collision on the M6 toll northbound carriageway forced a full closure earlier today. Although the route has partially reopened, lanes 1 and 2 remain closed as police investigations continue. National Highways confirmed that West Midlands Police, along with ambulance and fire services, are on scene. Motorists are advised to use the M6 as an alternative, as no official diversion routes are available for the toll road.
Severe Delays on M20 in Kent
On the M20 eastbound in Kent, between junctions 11 and 11A, drivers are facing delays of up to 90 minutes. National Highways attributes this congestion to increased Easter getaway traffic, with many heading towards the south-east coast and Eurotunnel services. The agency has issued warnings for travellers to expect prolonged journey times.
Additional Disruptions on M6 Near Preston
Further north, the M6 near Preston has been affected by a separate collision, causing lane closures and residual delays. Initially, delays reached 65 minutes with 10 miles of congestion after a recovery operation was completed. Earlier reports indicated hour-long delays and seven-mile queues, highlighting the persistent impact on traffic flow in the region.
M5 Delays and Broader Travel Context
The M5 southbound also experienced hour-long delays following an earlier crash between Thornbury and Almondsbury, though the incident has since cleared. These disruptions come as millions hit the roads for what is predicted to be the busiest Easter travel period since 2022. The RAC estimates high volumes of domestic travel, while Abta reports two million UK residents traveling abroad over the weekend.
Weather Warnings and Safety Advisories
Storm Dave is forecast to bring gusts of up to 90mph, adding to travel challenges. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, plan for extra journey time, and stay updated on traffic alerts. Social media posts from motorists describe gridlocked conditions, with some reporting stationary traffic on affected routes.
National Highways and police continue to monitor the situations, providing real-time updates via platforms like X. Travellers are encouraged to check for latest information before departing to mitigate further inconveniences during this peak holiday period.
