As the Easter weekend approaches, the UK is bracing for a significant surge in travel, with millions expected to hit the roads despite forecasts of heavy rain and potential flooding in various regions. On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, around 20 million car journeys are anticipated, marking one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
The RAC has warned that this could be the busiest Easter weekend since 2022, with more than 19 million leisure journeys planned across the country between Thursday and Easter Monday. Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on major routes like the M5, M6, M25, and A303.
Rod Dennis, a senior policy officer at the RAC, emphasized that the M5 is the road to watch. "The M5 is definitely the one to watch. There will be millions of these leisure journeys taking place in our region and congestion is expected as a result," he stated, noting that the M5 serves as a key route to popular holiday destinations in the southwest.
Inrix, a traffic monitoring service, reported queuing traffic on the M5 Southbound at J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon), with congestion extending to J17 (Cribbs Causeway). Heavy traffic is also noted on the M32 and Newfoundland Way Southbound into Bristol city center, with travel times reaching ten minutes.
To ease congestion, National Highways has suspended roadworks across more than 1,100 miles of motorway and major A roads, clearing 97.5% of its network of traffic cones. However, delays are already being experienced in various areas. The Port of Dover has reported extended processing times at border control, warning travelers of potential delays for cross-Channel journeys.
Adding to the travel complications, the Met Office has issued a weather warning, predicting heavy rain and localised flooding in the southwest, South Wales, and Northern Ireland starting at 2 PM on Good Friday. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Skeates warned of "heavy and possibly even disruptive rain" that could affect driving conditions.
In light of the expected weather conditions, RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson advised travelers to plan ahead. "It’s vital to plan ahead and be prepared for trips to take longer because of the wet weather and the expected getaway congestion," she said.
As millions prepare for their journeys, the AA estimates that nearly 20 million people will travel by car on Good Friday alone, with many more expected to continue their travels through Easter Sunday and into Monday. Traffic hotspots are anticipated on the M6 near Birmingham and Blackpool, the southern and western loops of the M25, the M5 around Bristol, and the A303 in Wiltshire.
In addition to road travel, rail services are also likely to face congestion and disruptions due to engineering works on several railway lines over the bank holiday weekend. Passengers are urged to check their travel plans as many services will be reduced.
Currently, engineering projects are affecting key routes including Cambridge, London Paddington, London Victoria, and Southampton. The rail network is also facing strikes, particularly at Hull Trains and Gatwick Airport, impacting travel plans for many.
On the railways, Avanti West Coast services near Manchester have been disrupted due to a broken-down train in Cheshire, causing delays of up to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, a vehicle fire on the M61 northbound has resulted in queues, with slow traffic reported between junctions eight and nine.
In an effort to mitigate the impact of these disruptions, the travel association Abta has reported that over 2.2 million people are expected to head abroad over the weekend, with Good Friday anticipated to be the busiest day for international travel. A total of 11,282 flights are scheduled to leave UK airports during the four-day period, with popular destinations including Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca.
As travelers navigate the busy roads and railways, they are reminded to stay updated on weather forecasts and traffic conditions. The Met Office has indicated that brighter weather is expected to return from Saturday afternoon, gradually spreading across the country into Easter Sunday and Monday.
With the combination of heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and ongoing strikes, this Easter weekend presents a challenging travel scenario for many. Drivers and passengers are advised to remain patient, plan their journeys carefully, and allow extra time for travel.
In summary, the Easter getaway is set to be a bustling period for travel across the UK, with millions taking to the roads and railways despite the looming weather challenges. As families and friends set off to celebrate the holiday, preparation and awareness will be key to navigating the expected congestion and delays.
