Millions of drivers face major delays this Easter weekend as motoring organisations warn of the worst bank holiday congestion in years. An estimated 19 million leisure journeys will clog Britain's roads between Thursday and Monday, with Good Friday expected to bring gridlock to key routes.
The AA and RAC have issued stark warnings as families prepare to head to holiday destinations during the school break. Peak travel is forecast for Good Friday, 29th March, when the exodus from cities begins in earnest.
Major routes to popular destinations will bear the brunt of the chaos. Roads leading to the West Country, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands are expected to see severe bottlenecks, with motorways and A-roads connecting urban centres to tourist hotspots facing the worst delays.
Rail engineering works will compound the misery by forcing more travellers onto already stretched roads. Extensive maintenance scheduled across the rail network means car journeys will surge beyond normal Easter levels, creating a perfect storm of congestion.
Motoring groups urge drivers to plan ahead, allowing extra time and considering off-peak departures where possible. They also recommend essential vehicle checks including tyre pressure and fluid levels to prevent breakdowns that could worsen delays. Train passengers should check National Rail Enquiries before travelling due to service alterations.