Easter Travel Chaos Grips UK Motorways with Crashes and Severe Delays
Britain's motorway network is experiencing heavy congestion as the Easter getaway begins on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. The holiday travel period has sparked significant delays across key routes, with incidents and increased traffic contributing to widespread gridlock.
Major Incidents and Closures Disrupt Key Routes
The M6 Toll in the West Midlands is closed northbound between Junction 6 at the Brownhills Interchange and the M6 J11a Saredon Interchange due to a serious crash. This closure is causing substantial disruptions for drivers heading north during the busy holiday period.
In Kent, severe delays of approximately 90 minutes are reported on the M20 eastbound between J11 near Hythe and J11A for the Eurotunnel. National Highways has indicated that while no specific incidents are reported in this area, congestion is building rapidly due to the surge in Easter getaway traffic moving towards the South East coast.
Widespread Congestion Across the Network
Other major motorways, including the M25 and M5, are also heavily congested as travellers embark on journeys over the Easter weekend. The combination of holiday traffic and incidents is creating challenging conditions for motorists nationwide.
Simon Calder, a travel expert, had previously predicted Easter travel chaos affecting air, rail, road, and sea transport. His warnings appear to be materialising, with road networks bearing the brunt of the initial getaway rush.
Authorities are urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and consider alternative routes where possible. The Easter weekend typically sees a significant increase in travel volume, and this year is proving no exception with these early disruptions setting the tone for potential further delays throughout the holiday period.
