Millions of Britons are expected to hit the motorways this Easter weekend, with the RAC predicting it will be the busiest on the roads since the Covid pandemic in 2022. A survey of over 13,000 AA members estimates 21.7 million journeys have been planned, despite strong winds from Storm Dave and rising fuel costs.
The average price of diesel at UK forecourts on Wednesday was 184.2p per litre, up 29 per cent since the conflict in the Middle East began on 28 February. Petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16 per cent over the same period.
Drivers will also face poor weather from Storm Dave, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for very strong winds in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of north Wales and northern England. Gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected widely, possibly reaching 60 to 70mph in exposed locations and up to 80 to 90mph in western Scotland. Delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely, with potential cancellations and closures of some roads and bridges.
Most drivers plan short trips, with 53 per cent expecting to travel under 50 miles, according to the AA. Visiting family and friends is the most common purpose. National Highways will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks on motorways and major A roads in England between Thursday and Easter Monday to ease journeys.
Rebecca Guy of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents urged drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and slow down in wet and windy conditions. For those travelling abroad, the RAC Foundation advises refuelling in the UK, as petrol in France costs £1.71 per litre, 25p more than in the UK. Abta estimates two million people will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday, with potential two-hour delays at EU borders due to the new entry-exit system.
