What's happened
As the Easter weekend approaches, over 19 million drivers are expected to hit UK roads, facing potential delays due to heavy rain and engineering works. Train services will be disrupted, particularly from London Euston, while Gatwick airport workers plan strikes, adding to travel woes. Authorities warn of significant congestion and flooding risks.
What's behind the headline?
Traffic Forecast
- High Volume: Over 19 million leisure trips are anticipated, with peak congestion expected between 11 AM and 1 PM on Good Friday.
- Weather Impact: Heavy rain could worsen driving conditions, leading to longer travel times.
Rail Disruptions
- Engineering Works: Significant disruptions on the West Coast Main Line, particularly affecting services from London Euston to Milton Keynes.
- Replacement Services: Passengers may need to rely on buses for parts of their journeys.
Airport Strikes
- Gatwick Airport: Planned strikes by workers over pensions could lead to major flight disruptions, adding to the travel chaos.
Government Response
- Roadworks Lifted: The government has removed over 1,000 miles of roadworks to facilitate smoother travel, but congestion is still expected due to high volumes of traffic and adverse weather conditions.
What the papers say
According to Simon Calder in The Independent, traffic queues are expected as 19 million people plan to drive on Good Friday, with heavy rain forecasted to disrupt journeys. The RAC warns that drivers should prepare for longer trips due to both congestion and weather conditions. Meanwhile, Gwyn Topham from The Guardian highlights that engineering works will significantly impact train services, particularly from London Euston, with no services to Milton Keynes over the weekend. The Port of Dover anticipates processing around 5,500 cars on Good Friday, indicating a busy travel period. The Mirror reports that the government has lifted roadworks to ease congestion, but the AA warns of a potential 15% increase in traffic compared to last year due to the timing of the holiday. Emine Sinmaz from The Guardian notes that the combination of school holidays and the Easter weekend will lead to a 'hat-trick of hold-ups' on the roads.
How we got here
The Easter weekend coincides with the end of school holidays, leading to increased travel. Heavy rain warnings and engineering works on major rail lines have compounded the expected congestion on roads, prompting authorities to lift roadworks to ease traffic.
Go deeper
- What are the best times to travel this weekend?
- How will the weather affect travel plans?
- What should I know about train service disruptions?
Common question
-
What Are the Best Routes to Avoid Easter Traffic?
As Easter weekend approaches, millions of drivers are preparing for their journeys. With significant congestion expected on major routes, it's crucial to know the best ways to navigate the roads. Here are some common questions travelers have about Easter traffic and how to make their trips smoother.
-
What Travel Disruptions to Expect This Easter Weekend?
As millions prepare to travel for the Easter weekend, significant disruptions are anticipated across roads, railways, and airports. With heavy rain and engineering works affecting travel plans, it's crucial to stay informed. Here are some common questions travelers may have regarding the upcoming holiday chaos.
More on these topics
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
RAC or Rac may refer to:
-
Automobile Association may refer to:
-
The Meteorological Office, abbreviated as the Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. It is an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy led by CEO Penelope Endersby, who took on