Drivers warned of Easter travel chaos with 21 million journeys expected

Travel
30 Mar 2026 • 2:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • UK roads are set for their busiest Easter in four years, with an estimated 21 million leisure car journeys expected between Thursday and Easter Monday.
  • Congestion is predicted to peak on Thursday, with motorists advised to set off before 10am to avoid the worst traffic.
  • Despite significantly rising fuel costs, only a small percentage of drivers plan to alter their travel arrangements for the holiday.
  • National Highways will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks, though specific congestion hotspots are still expected on major motorways.
  • Train services face significant disruption due to engineering works, notably on the West Coast Main Line, while airlines anticipate a busy period for international travel.

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