Motorists warned of traffic jams as millions travel for Easter getaways
We're told by the RAC that the M5 route is set to be one of the busiest.
More than 21m leisure journeys are expected to be made by car this weekend as most schools in England finish for the Easter holidays, according to an RAC survey of drivers’ getaway plans.
We're also told the M5 down into Somerset is to be one of the busiest routes for staycation destinations.
Friday 4 April, the day the Easter term ends for most schools, and Saturday 5 April could spell some of the worst delays for drivers as an estimated 3.4m trips are due to be made each day.
This is 700,000 more than the 2.7m journeys planned for both Thursday 3 and Sunday 6 April, and nearly 1m more than the 2.4m expected on Monday 7 April.
An additional 6.8m journeys will be staggered between Friday 4 and Sunday 6 April, with drivers unsure exactly when they’ll hit the road on those dates.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “A vehicle breakdown has no place on a holiday itinerary, so the more you can do to ensure your car is in the best possible condition before you go, the lower your chances of suffering one.
“With a massive 21m journeys expected this weekend, it’s more than likely that roads to popular holiday destinations will see their fair share of traffic. These are not only tiring to endure but increase fuel consumption significantly.
“In the worst-case scenario, riding the clutch in stop-start traffic can increase wear on its components and lead to premature failure. Also, in slow moving traffic, the airflow into the engine compartment is reduced and can cause overheating issues, especially in older vehicles or those with faulty cooling fans.
“Knowing the Easter bank holiday weekend is approaching in a few weeks, we’re advising drivers to use their time now wisely. If you’re in any doubt about the condition of your car or there’s an MOT advisory that needs addressing, it’s far better to book a service or repair in advance of your trip to minimise chances of a breakdown later.
“An RAC Mobile Mechanic can complete both of these on the driveway along with checking tyres and battery-related issues – some of the leading causes of holiday breakdowns. There’s no need to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the garage either as our mechanics come to you – at home or work.”