11 April 2025
As the Easter weekend approaches, The AA is issuing an amber traffic warning due to the anticipated increase in journeys.
Expectations of a warmer Easter this year, three weeks later than the last one, will bump up bank holiday traffic by 15%. That will add a further 2.3 million cars to take the number on the road to above 19 million.
Last year, when Easter fell at the end of March, 16.8 million made plans to drive on the Friday and 15.8 on the Monday. This year, 19.1 million and 18.1 million respectively say they will take to the road.
However, by far the biggest turn-out will be on Thursday with 19.8 million in their vehicles at some stage of the day.
“Simple checks can prevent breakdowns and keep your journey smooth.”
The data from a new AA poll of more than 11,000* members shows that whilst the roads will be busy – long journeys seem to be a thing of the past as around half those venturing out will be travelling less than 50 miles, with only 10% or less driving further afield.
One the actual Bank Holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday) one in ten people have told us they will be working with that figure rising to a fifth on Thursday, and a quarter on Tuesday.
|
|
Thursday 17/4 |
Good Fri 18/4 |
Sat 19/4 |
Easter Sun 20/4 |
Easter Mon 21/4 |
|
Number Out on road |
19,800,000 |
19,140,000 |
18,480,000 |
18,150,000 |
18,150,000 |
|
under 50miles |
51% |
48% |
47% |
46% |
46% |
|
50-100 miles |
5% |
6% |
5% |
5% |
5% |
|
101-150miles |
2% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
|
151 + miles |
2% |
2% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
Some of the hotspots to look out for include around town and city centres, shopping and retail parks, and the usual hotspots around the M6 at Birmingham and further north around the Blackpool area; the M25 between the M23 and M40 junctions; the M5 around the Bristol area, and the A303 in the Wiltshire area.
Around half of drivers have not decided on their plans, but, with a packed fixture list over the Bank holiday weekend, sports fans look to have decided to leave their vehicles at home as less than 5% told us they expect to drive to support their team.
The UK has experienced recent settled and warmer weather; however, current predictions are a return to more unsettled conditions with some rain at times. Temperatures are expected to return to the seasonal norm.
If you are setting out on a journey it does not matter whether it is a long or short one, make sure your vehicle is ready and be prepared for congestion especially around local hotspots such as retail parks and leisure attractions.
Drivers who are using or towing a vehicle which have not been used over the winter months, should check the age and condition of its tyres before travelling, get your garage to check if you’re not sure how to do this. A new AA survey reveals that over 4 million cars may have tyres on them which are over 10 years old.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “With so many people planning to travel this Easter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition.
“Simple checks can prevent breakdowns and keep your journey smooth. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated, your oil and coolant levels are correct, and you have plenty of fuel or your battery is fully charged if you drive an EV.
“Drivers can check for congestion and plan their route using the AA Routeplanner on the AA App. The app now has a fuel finder feature which allows drivers to compare fuel prices at local filling stations, and locate EV chargers along their route.”
Although The AA research shows that most journeys are under 50 miles, for those who are travelling further afield, Operation Brock will be in place on the M20 around the Dover area across the Easter holiday period and is likely to affect traffic heading to the port.
* Yonder received 11,233 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to the 18th March 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
The AA first created the Traffic Warning System in 2022, with the first "Amber" warning issued in July 2022. Using a variety of data to predict congestion, warnings are issued as follows;
Green – No warnings issued. Traffic at expected levels with minimal congestion and incidents.
Amber – Warnings issued to prepare drivers for forecast congestion.
Red – Warnings issued to alert drivers to live incidents.