Easter Getaway Set to Bring Major Traffic Chaos Across England and Wales
Millions of travellers planning to take advantage of an early Easter break are being warned to prepare for significant queues and delays on the roads. The RAC has issued a stark alert that the four-day holiday could result in traffic levels not seen since 2022, with Good Friday poised to be a particularly testing day for drivers across England and Wales.
Unprecedented Traffic Volumes Expected
According to RAC estimates, a staggering 21 million extra car journeys will be made as families head to airports, ferry terminals, and holiday destinations. Data from the RAC and traffic analytics firm INRIX, based on a survey of 2,219 motorists, suggests this weekend will see the highest levels of road congestion since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
Good Friday is expected to be the most challenging day for motorists, with approximately 3.3 million vehicles anticipated on the road network. RAC spokesperson Sean Kimberlin commented, "The Easter bank holiday getaway is traditionally one of the biggest of the year, and 2026 looks no different."
Spontaneous Trips Could Worsen Congestion
On top of the estimated 8.3 million planned journeys from Thursday to Saturday, a further 6.7 million remain unscheduled as many drivers wait to confirm their specific travel dates. Improving weather conditions could lead to a further rise in these spontaneous trips as families seek outdoor activities.
Major arterial routes are likely to experience heavy traffic between 10am and 7pm on Good Friday. Experts suggest avoiding the noon window on Saturday and preparing for significant delays during the return leg on Monday.
Busiest Easter on Roads Since 2022
Kimberlin added, "The number of planned leisure journeys by car has risen for the second year running, and as a result, we expect this to be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, when the country opened up after the Covid lockdown."
Regarding the financial impact on households, he noted, "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." He urged drivers to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest forecourts.
Key Traffic Hotspots and Advice
To assist those planning their route, Kimberlin advised, "We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday, when many schools break up. We advise drivers to plan for the best time to travel if they want to avoid significant queues, especially in traffic hotspot areas such as the M5 heading towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25."
Congestion is likely to be at its worst from 10am from Thursday to Saturday and on Easter Monday, so leaving early in the morning is recommended as the best way to avoid jams. The RAC also emphasised that many breakdowns can be avoided if drivers ensure their vehicles are fully prepared before travelling.
Port of Dover and Operation Brock
With the Port of Dover expecting a busy few days as travellers head for the continent, National Highways’ traffic contraflow system, ‘Operation Brock’, will be in place from April 1 to 7. This will direct lorries travelling to the Port of Dover to a specific lane at Junction 8 of the M20.
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said, "Between Thursday, April 2 and Sunday, April 19, we will welcome in the region of 37,000 cars through the port. To help ensure a smooth departure, we kindly ask all customers travelling with our ferry partners not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their scheduled sailing, just as you would if departing from a UK airport."
