Easter holiday getaway to start two weeks early as 14 million cars hit roads this weekend

Will be drivers set for more of this over Easter (PA)
Will be drivers set for more of this over Easter (PA)

It’s not only Christmas that can come early.

Motoring group RAC have warned that the great Easter getaway will begin earlier than usual this year when schools break up tomorrow.

Up to 14 million car journeys will help clog up Britain’s roads as families make the rush to get away this weekend.

Many schools break up on April 5, even though the Easter weekend is not until the 19th.

Up to 14 million car journeys could be taken over Easter (PA)
Up to 14 million car journeys could be taken over Easter (PA)

The result, warns the RAC, will be a mad rush to Britain’s road network from as early as Friday as soon as schools close.

The worst traffic is expected on Friday, with some 5.3million more cars battling for road space with commuter and commercial traffic, warned the RAC.

It also urged drivers, if possible, to travel to avoid hold-ups on Friday before 3pm or after 7pm.

And if that is not enough, the RAC warned there would be a second wave of congestion in a fortnight’s time over the bank holiday weekend.

With the Easter bank holiday falling so late this year we are expecting to see a double wave of getaway traffic – firstly at the end of this week and then again two weeks later for the four-day weekend.’ said RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis.

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He also warned that drivers should check their cars before heading out on long journeys.

‘This can be a busy time of year for our patrols so we strongly urge motorists to check over their vehicles before they set out. This is particularly important for people driving long distances,’ added Dennis.

The RAC has warned that traffic will be congested because of the long-break between school half-term and the Easter bank holiday (PA)
The RAC has warned that traffic will be congested because of the long-break between school half-term and the Easter bank holiday (PA)

He added that forecasts showed – hopefully – that weather would not affect too many of the trips about to be taken.

We’re hopeful the weather won’t cause drivers too many issues through this coming weekend, but everyone should be ready for some typical short, sharp April showers, with even the possibility of some snow on higher ground in the North.’

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