The best and worst times to set off this Easter weekend have been unveiled with millions predicted to hit the roads over the Bank Holiday. The RAC has predicted a “hat-trick of hold-ups” due to traffic with more than 19 million leisure trips predicted.
Analysis from the breakdown group has predicted 2.7 million cars could hit the roads for three days straight between Thursday and Saturday. This is before an extra 2.5 million hit the roads on Easter Sunday, making this potentially the busiest Easter since 2022. The RAC has broken down the best and worst times to set off for road users hoping to avoid length delays.
On Thursday 17 April, the RAC said the best time to set off was before 12pm with the worst departure between 2pm and 7pm.
On Good Friday, motorists have been told to leave their houses before 10am with the heaviest traffic expected between 10am and 5pm.
On Saturday 19 April, the best time to get on the roads is before 10.30am or after 2pm with the worst travel time expected between 11am and 1pm.
Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson said: “The late bank holiday weekend clashes with the end of the Easter break for many schools – which we think will change the nature of this year’s getaway.
“Although journey numbers are still very high, we’re anticipating more day trips and weekend breaks than people heading off on one and two-week stints, reflected by INRIX’s predictions that the worst delays will be along routes from Gatwick to the rest of the country.
“This could lead to a ‘hat-trick of hold-ups’ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as drivers visit family and friends.”
Those travelling on Easter Sunday have been urged to travel after 1pm with the worst time on the roads expert between 11am and 1pm.
Motorists returning home on Easter Monday should set off before 11am with experts stressing road users should avoid the road between 11am and 6pm.
Alice added: “But while getaway journeys may be shorter in length, we’re still expecting to see extremely high levels of traffic from Thursday onwards, with the greatest number of Easter getaway trips planned for three years.
“Drivers shouldn’t expect to escape the queues if they don’t plan the best time to set off. It’s always best to travel as early as possible in the morning or later in the day when most of the traffic has eased, especially if headed to popular holiday destinations such as the West Country, Scotland or Wales.”