Easter traffic warning issued as millions of drivers set to cause ‘long queues’
The AA said Easter weekend being three weeks later than in 2024 will “bump up bank holiday traffic by 15%” as many people hope for warmer weather this year.
It advised motorists to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks and major routes including:
- The M6 at Birmingham and around the Blackpool area
- The south and western section of the M25 (between the M23 and M40)
- The M5 at Bristol and the A303 in Wiltshire
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How many people will be on the roads this Easter?
The AA anticipated 19.1 million people will hit the road on Good Friday, 18.5 million on Easter Saturday (April 19) and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday (April 20) and Easter Monday (April 21).
The figures are based on responses to a survey of 11,233 AA members.
AA patrol of the year Shaun Jones advised drivers to carry out “simple checks” such as ensuring tyres are properly inflated and levels of oil and coolant are correct.
He said: “With so many people planning to travel this Easter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition.”
National Highways has deployed traffic management system Operation Brock in Kent ahead of the Easter getaway period.
The scheme involves narrow lanes and a reduced 50mph speed limit.
It is designed to manage traffic flows on the M20 motorway in the event of delays at Channel ports, which are seeing high demand from holidaymakers.
Operation Brock is in place on a 13-mile stretch of the motorway between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford.
The UK’s road maintenance system
Lorries heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are being directed to follow signs to join a specific lane at Junction 8.
All other traffic for the coast crosses over to enter the contraflow on the London-bound carriageway.
Tourism authority VisitEngland said around 10.6 million British adults are planning to take a holiday in the UK over the bank holiday period.
That is expected to provide an estimated £3.9 billion boost to the economy.
Train service disruptions expected this Easter
Thousands of Easter train journeys are also expected to be disrupted with Network Rail carrying out engineering work.
The most significant impact will be at London Euston – the UK’s 10th busiest railway station – which will have no services to or from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, with a reduced timetable on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
🥚 Major changes to journeys between London Euston & Scotland this Easter
🗓️ 18-21 April
🦺 We’re making improvements in several areas on the West Coast Main Line https://t.co/nOMo2pqfpv
📲 Please plan ahead at https://t.co/QW4m2IrmeA#EasterWorks pic.twitter.com/Yf3jD0LqJr
— West Coast Main Line (@networkrailWCML) April 9, 2025
That is due to work including renewals of overhead electric lines and drainage improvements.
Services on the West Coast Main Line will start and terminate at Carlisle, with replacement buses serving stations to the north.
Easter flight figures rise in 2025
Meanwhile, aviation analytics company Cirium said 11,282 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
That is 6% more than last year’s Easter, but remains 4% down from Easter 2019.
The most common international destinations for UK departures this Easter are Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca.
