Next weekend is expected to be busy on the roads, with a staggering 19.1 million people set to travel on Good Friday alone. The AA has cautioned drivers about potential long queues over Easter, attributing the increased bank holiday traffic to the Easter weekend falling three weeks later this year compared to 2024, resulting in a 15% surge. As many individuals are hopeful for warmer weather, the AA has advised motorists to be prepared for congestion in various areas, such as town and city centres, retail parks, and major routes like the M6 at Birmingham and around the Blackpool region.
According to the AA, an estimated 18.5 million people are anticipated to drive on Easter Saturday, with 18.2 million expected on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. These projections are based on data gathered from a survey of 11,233 AA members. Shaun Jones, AA’s patrol of the year, emphasised the importance of conducting basic vehicle checks before embarking on journeys, including ensuring tyre pressure, oil levels, and coolant levels are all in order. He highlighted the necessity of vehicle maintenance, particularly with the significant number of people planning to travel during the Easter period.
As forecasters predict a return to unsettled weather next weekend, following a period of warmer conditions, National Highways has implemented Operation Brock in Kent in preparation for the Easter getaway period. This traffic management system on the M20 motorway is intended to regulate traffic flow in the event of delays at Channel ports, which are experiencing high demand from holidaymakers. Operation Brock’s strategies include narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit to manage traffic efficiently.
In addition to road travel, Easter train journeys are also set to face disruptions as Network Rail undertakes engineering work. Notably, London Euston, one of the UK’s busiest railway stations, will experience service interruptions with no trains running to or from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Sunday, along with a reduced timetable on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Services on the West Coast Main Line will be redirected to Carlisle, with replacement buses serving stops further north.
Aviation analytics company Cirium reported an increase in scheduled flights departing UK airports this Easter, with 11,282 flights planned between Good Friday and Easter Monday. While this represents a 6% rise from last year, it remains 4% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Popular international destinations for UK departures this Easter include Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca. As such, airports are also expected to see a surge in activity alongside road and rail networks during the holiday period.
Tourism authority VisitEngland disclosed that approximately 10.6 million British adults are preparing for domestic holidays over the bank holiday, contributing an estimated £3.9 billion to the economy. However, an additional 3.4 million individuals remain undecided about booking an overnight trip, with concerns about weather conditions and affordability cited as common factors influencing their decisions. Chief executive Patricia Yates stressed the significance of the upcoming Easter weekend for businesses within the tourism sector, as it represents a crucial period for recouping financial losses experienced during the quieter winter months.
In conclusion, as travel volumes surge over the Easter holiday, it is essential for travellers to plan ahead, consider potential disruptions across various modes of transport, and adhere to safety guidelines and travel advisories to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. The convergence of increased road, rail, and air traffic underscores the significance of thorough preparation and awareness of potential challenges that may arise during the busy holiday period.