Getaway traffic expected to peak on Easter Saturday (30 March)
with at least 18.5 million taking to roads
Conditions are unpredictable as unsettled weather set to continue
5.2million Bank Holiday journeys to visit friends or family
Traffic is expected to peak on Easter Saturday with at least 18.5
million* car journeys planned, as Brits seek to join family and
friends for the Easter break.
With so many journeys predicted, and the unsettled weather
forecast for parts of the UK, The AA is warning drivers to take
extra care on the roads especially if they do encounter any
spring showers. As well as standing water and slippery streets,
drivers should remember that stopping distances increase when
there is rain and when vehicles are carrying more weight.
Reducing speed and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles is
key to staying safe in wet conditions.
Traffic expectations
A recent AA survey of 12,420 members** showed Bank holiday
traffic is likely to peak on Easter Saturday (30 March), with
around 18.5 million* of Britain’s drivers planning to use their
cars. Easter Sunday will see around half (48%)* of Britain’s
drivers on the roads.
The survey also more than 5.2 million* of Bank Holiday journeys
will be to visit family or friends – people aged 18-24 are most
likely to be travelling for this reason, with older drivers (65+)
less likely. (Good Friday 28% vs 13%)
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are predicted to be the quietest
days but will still see around 16 million cars* on the roads with
26% of those intending to drive still undecided about where
they’ll be heading.
Weather
The unsettled weather we’ve had for most of the year so far looks
set to continue during the Easter break. Rain is still predicted
in some areas which will bring its own issues of spray on the
roads and more water falling onto already saturated land.
Easter Sunday also sees the UK move to British Summer Time (BST)
where clocks go forward by an hour. This, of course, means an
hour less in bed so before travelling make sure you’re fit, ready and awake.
Breakdown advice
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “Easter
is the first opportunity many people have to go and see their
family and we’re expecting the roads to be busy. Before setting
off on a long journey it’s important to check your car. A few
simple checks could stop car trouble from upsetting your plans.
Take 10 minutes to check your oil, coolant, and windscreen wash
levels. It’s also important to make sure you have plenty of fuel
and or electric charge and check that all your lights are
working.
“Check your tyre pressures – do this when the tyres are cold and
don’t forget to check the tread – including the spare if your
vehicle has one. If your vehicle doesn’t carry a spare wheel, it
can be useful to plan ahead by making a note of your vehicle's
tyre sizes and keeping it in a safe place in case you need to
pass this information on to a tyre provider.
“If driving in wet weather, try to avoid standing water where
safe to do so as this can cover potholes or displaced inspection
covers that may be lurking below the surface.”
If you’re unsure about the condition of your vehicle – get it
checked
out before any long journey.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials – snacks,
drinks, warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone and cradle,
and any time-dependent medication. Having adequate breakdown cover in place
before you travel could offer peace of mind, no matter how far
you’re travelling.
If you breakdown, AA members can download the free AA app This is
quickest way to report a breakdown and it will get one of our
experts to you quicker.
What3words
Lots of AA Members use what3words to identify their location when
their car breaks down.
what3words is easiest way to describe any precise location. It
has the world divided into 3 metre squares and given each one a
unique identifier made from three words. What3words is free to
download from your Appstore.
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of
what3words, said: “Thousands of people will be packing their cars
this week and travelling across the country to make the most of
the long Easter weekend. This surge in traffic can cause chaos on
the roads and highlights the importance of being prepared in case
of a breakdown. Utilising what3words means the AA and emergency
services can pinpoint your exact location if
you find yourself in trouble, getting you off the hard shoulder
and onto celebrations as quickly as possible.”
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
*Comparative figures with the number of registered vehicles in
the UK (33.1 million) in September 2022 –Vehicle licensing
statistics: July to September 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
** Yonder received 12,420 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 12th to 21st February 2024.
Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by
its rules.
