Drivers are being warned to expect long delays as millions of Britons set off on Easter getaway trips, with Thursday afternoon set to be the busiest. Meanwhile, airports and airlines expect numbers over the bank holiday weekend and school holidays to return to pre-pandemic levels.
And rail passengers are advised to plan ahead because of engineering works. Strong winds are forecast for the south of England, forcing the closure of a number of tourist attractions.
Elsewhere in the UK, spells of dry and fairly sunny weather are expected, though the low pressure is likely to mean clouds and downpours, with snow already falling in Devon.Motoring company RAC warned journeys on popular routes could take twice as long as the bank holiday weekend coincides with the start of the Easter holidays.
A survey by RAC and Transport analysis company Inrix suggested 14 million Easter getaway trips are expected to be made. Inrix predict Thursday afternoon will see the worst congestion.
“With Easter falling earlier than usual at the start of the school holidays, it could be carmageddon for holidaymakers,” an RAC breakdown spokesperson said.In particular, journeys on the M25, between the M23 for Gatwick the M1 in Hertfordshire, are expected to take over two hours – twice the usual time.
The M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton is also likely to be congested. Meanwhile, tourist board Visit England said 11 million people in the UK are planning an overnight trip this Easter.
Airports and airlines are expecting big numbers, in some cases above 2019 levels.Manchester Airport said it was preparing for about 320,000 passengers this weekend, 8% more than the equivalent last year.
Glasgow Airport said it would have extra staff in place during “three exceptionally busy weekends ahead”. Low-cost airline Easyjet is predicting its busiest ever Easter weekend.
Travellers may have to also contend with the weather, however.Ryanair issued a warning to travellers on Thursday morning that high winds could disrupt air travel from London.
Network Rail is urging people to check their journey details before they travel. There will be disruption on some rail routes over the bank holiday as some major routes close due to engineering work.
London Euston, one of the UK’s busiest railway stations, will be closed between Good Friday and Easter Monday – except for London Overground trains.
It is because Network Rail engineering works between London and Milton Keynes will close part of the West Coast Main Line.
Source: BBC
