Motorists are being alerted to potential heavy congestion over the Easter holiday, with the AA cautioning that Good Friday, expected to draw up to 19.1 million travelers, could be particularly crowded. The later timing of Easter this year, along with hopes for warmer weather, is anticipated to drive an estimated 15% surge in bank holiday traffic.
City centers, retail parks, and major routes, including the M5 at Bristol, A303 in Wiltshire, M6 at Birmingham, Blackpool area, and the southern and western sections of the M25, are all flagged as potential congestion spots. The AA’s forecast is based on responses from 11,233 AA members, with 19.1 million people expected to hit the road on Good Friday, and 18.5 million on Easter Saturday and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday and Monday.
Shaun Jones, AA patrol of the year, advised drivers to conduct vehicle checks, including ensuring proper tire inflation, and correct oil and coolant levels. With the influx of holiday travelers, he stressed the crucial need for top vehicle condition.
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As the weather is predicted to shift from settled and warmer conditions to unsettled with rain, National Highways has initiated Operation Brock in Kent, involving narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit on the M20 motorway. This is aimed at managing traffic flows, particularly from Channel ports, ahead of potential delays, and is in place on a 13-mile stretch between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford.
VisitEngland noted that around 10.6 million British adults are planning a holiday in the UK over the bank holiday period, expected to contribute £3.9 billion to the economy. An additional 3.4 million people remain undecided on booking an overnight trip, citing concerns about the weather and affordability. Patricia Yates, VisitEngland’s chief executive, emphasized the significance of the Easter weekend for tourism businesses and destinations, with many people opting for late bookings and shorter breaks due to economic factors.
Meanwhile, Network Rail’s engineering work will disrupt thousands of Easter train journeys, particularly at London Euston, with no services to or from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Aviation analytics company Cirium reported a 6% increase in scheduled UK flights compared to last year, while remaining 4% lower than Easter 2019, with popular international destinations including Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca.