UPDATE: |Easter traffic warning as 19.1m expected to make car journey on Good Friday News

Motorists are being advised to prepare for congestion on major routes

Drivers are being warned to prepare for long queues and heavy congestion over Easter, as 19.1 million people are expected to hit the road on Good Friday alone.

The AA anticipated 19.1 million people will drive on Good Friday, 18.5 million on Easter Saturday and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

The figures are based on responses to a survey of 11,233 AA members.

They say that the peak in traffic can be expected because of the fact that Easter weekend falls three weeks later than it did in 2024.

With many people eyeing up a weekend away while the weather looks promising, the AA expects these factors to “bump up bank holiday traffic by 15%”.

They are advising motorists to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks and major routes such as 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.

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.

“With so many people planning to travel this Easter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition,” he said.

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.

Tourism authority VisitBritain said it expects around 10.6 million British adults 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.

VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: “Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much-needed cash flow after the lean winter months, so it’s encouraging to see many of us are planning a holiday at home.

“The cost of living remains a concern, and while people are still keen to take a break, many are booking late, taking shorter breaks, and wanting to save on accommodation, activities and eating out, making it difficult for businesses to plan in advance.”