Millions of drivers across the UK are pressing on with Easter plans, even as petrol and diesel prices climb. Forecasts point to heavy traffic on key routes and fresh strain on ports and motorways over the long weekend.
Easter travel surge: forecast and why it matters
New analysis from motoring groups and traffic monitors predicts a sharp spike in leisure journeys over the four-day holiday.
- About 21 million leisure trips are expected during the bank holiday period.
- That figure marks the busiest Easter getaway since 2022, according to RAC and INRIX data.
- Organisers estimate roughly 1 million more trips than last year as people keep holiday plans despite higher pump costs.
- Another 6.7 million trips are pencilled in across the extended weekend, many still unscheduled.
Fuel price squeeze: how much more drivers will pay
Rising global tensions and market shifts have pushed fuel expenses higher, but most motorists are absorbing the bill.
- Filling a typical family diesel car now costs about £19 more than it did on Good Friday last year.
- Petrol fills are up by roughly £8 per tank over the same period.
- Despite financial concern, only a small slice plan to cut or cancel trips. Around 31% feel anxious about fuel costs, yet just 6% said they would shorten journeys and a similar share would avoid travel entirely.
Traffic hotspots and peak times to avoid
Routes likely to face the worst delays
Traffic authorities have highlighted specific windows and corridors where queues could add significant time to journeys.
- The M4 westbound near Bridgend may see long evening queues, potentially adding about 75 minutes to journeys.
- Good Friday pressure is expected on major arteries from mid-morning to early evening, with parts of the M5 southbound toward Bridgwater adding over 50 minutes at lunchtime.
- On Saturday, avoid the 10:00–12:00 slot. The M40 northbound approaching the M42 interchange could see journey times grow to multiple times their normal length.
Ports and motorway controls: what authorities are preparing
Ferry terminals and national road agencies say they are readying contingency plans for heavy traffic and freight flows.
- The Port of Dover expects roughly 37,000 vehicles between April 2 and April 19.
- Port leaders advise travellers not to arrive more than two hours ahead of their booked sailing.
- National Highways will operate Operation Brock from April 1 to 7, directing lorries bound for Dover into a managed lane at junction 8 of the M20.
Perspectives from the road: why people are still travelling
Motoring experts say Easter travel carries an emotional weight that keeps plans intact.
- RAC service managers note that many view Easter as the first real opportunity to visit family or take a short break since winter.
- Warm weather forecasts could spark last-minute trips, further boosting traffic volumes.
Practical tips for drivers navigating the bank holiday
- Check live traffic apps before you set off and during your journey.
- Avoid the busiest windows identified above to cut delay risk.
- Consider filling up outside peak demand or using loyalty-fuel discounts to save money.
- If travelling to Dover, stick to recommended arrival times and ferry check-in rules.
- Allow extra time for crossing major junctions and for stretches where freight is being routed separately.
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