Traffic delays predicted over Easter Bank Holiday weekend
Drivers are predicted to embark on up to 17m leisure trips by car this Easter bank holiday, with Good Friday and Easter Sunday predicted to see the largest number of journeys. This may lead to long delays in parts of the south and west of the UK, according to predictions.
Research by the RAC and data from transport analytics experts INRIX show that there is a high chance that Good Friday could be a bad day for drivers this year. With an estimated 2.7m ‘getaway’ trips expected on that day, major roads in the south west of England are most likely to experience the longest delays.
Easter Sunday is also forecast to see a similar number of leisure journeys being made by drivers, with easter Saturday and Easter Monday predicted to be only slightly less busy with 2.3m separate trips each. However, it appears that a large number of drivers are waiting to see the weather forecast before setting off this weekend.
However, in some good news for drivers, the National Highways are temporarily lifting around 1,400 miles of roadworks from Thursday in order to help alleviate the queues. The RAC is also suggesting that drivers check their vehicles to make sure that they are ‘road-ready’ before setting off to prevent breakdowns contributing to the congestion.
Separate research carried out by the RAC found that just one-in-five drivers (19%) routinely check their cars before making an Easter trip, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. Half of drivers (51%) reported that they sometimes checked their cars over before setting off on a long journey, with 30% saying that they never do.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With many people keen to make the most of the double bank holiday this Easter weekend, we’re expecting the customary jams across parts of the road network to make this Good Friday a bad Friday for drivers, especially those who are planning on covering longer distances. Traffic volumes could be even higher if the sun chooses to make a welcome appearance.
“The south and west of the UK are the areas to watch as they’re home to some vital roads responsible for carrying vast numbers of people to the holiday destinations of the West Country – so our advice to anyone heading that way is to get on the road as early as possible on Good Friday, or travel on a different day entirely.
“Our patrols will be working incredibly hard over the whole Easter period, but many of the jobs they’ll attend could have been avoided if drivers had only given their cars a bit of TLC before setting out. No one wants a breakdown to get in the way of enjoying a well-earned break, so it’s a good idea to check tyres have plenty of tread and are properly inflated, and that oil, coolant and screen wash are all at the right levels under the bonnet. Following this advice can significantly reduce the chances of breaking down.
“At least it won’t cost quite as much to fill up the family car this Easter as it did last year, although there’s no getting away from the fact that drivers of diesel cars continue to get a really poor deal at the pumps. The average price of unleaded is currently £1.46 a litre, with diesel at £1.63 when it should really be around £1.52 based on the current wholesale price. This compares to £1.62 and £1.76 respectively this time last year, which means a tank of petrol is £9 cheaper and diesel £7 despite being unfairly overpriced at the moment.”
Taking a long car journey does require some preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. The following are some things that you can do beforehand to prepare yourself and your vehicle:
1. Plan your route
Before embarking on a long car journey, it is important to plan your route in advance. You should also plan rest stops and potential places to stay along the way, and take breaks as needed.
2. Check your vehicle
It is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in good working order before a long car journey. Check the oil level, tyre pressure and brake fluid. You should also make sure that all of your lights are in good working order.
3. Adjust your seat and mirrors
Make sure your seat and mirrors are properly adjusted before setting out on your journey, as this will help ensure maximum comfort and visibility during your trip.
4. Rest well before your journey
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before setting out on a long drive. Fatigue can lead to decreased reaction times and impaired driving ability.
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