Over 14 million drivers are set to get behind the wheel this weekend, as the two-week school break coincides with the 2024 Easter bank holiday. This is predicted to cause major traffic disruptions on roads around the UK, with Thursday 28 March and Good Friday the following day being forecasted as the busiest day to travel.
The busiest routes effected will be the western section of the M25 between the M23 for Gatwick and the M1 for Hertfordshire. Journey’s on this route could take over two hours, which is more than twice as long as usual. But here is some useful Easter traffic tips and advice from Parkers that will help you navigate the weekend ahead and make your journey more enjoyable.
Is Good Friday a good day to travel?
According to the RAC, 2.6 million holidaymakers are predicted to set off on the roads on Good Friday alone. Though this number seems intimidating, with careful preparation and timing you might make it to your destination without losing your sanity.
Ideally, leaving as early as possible is recommended as peak travel hours are predicted to be between 11am and 3pm. Giving yourself a head start in the morning could buy yourself some time and clear roads. However, encountering traffic may be unavoidable depending where you’re travelling to and your chosen route, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Having a dependable satellite-navigation system equipped with real-time traffic updates to warn you of congested routes could make all the difference this weekend, especially if you want to avoid finding yourself stuck in standstill traffic. Alternatively a sturdy car mount paired with a reliable GPS app, such as Google Maps or Waze, can also do the same job.
What is the best day to travel over Easter weekend?
Easter weekend typically sees a surge in travel, especially post-Covid when staycations in the UK gained popularity. While leaving a day earlier on Thursday 28 March, may seem tempting, roads are set to be equally as busy on that day with the peak travel times set to be 2-7pm.
Holidaymakers could find themselves stuck in traffic congestion with commuters during these peak hours. Therefore delaying when you leave to a later time that night could save you time on your journey.
Top tips for a more enjoyable Easter weekend journey
Embarking on a long car journey over the busy bank holiday period can be both exciting and daunting. Making sure your car is prepared and equipped when delays are expected to happened is essential to transforming an otherwise tedious journey into a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
USB charger
Staying connected whilst on the roads is a necessity, particularly in uncertain traffic conditions. A reliable USB charger and phone cable will come in handy for keeping your phone and electronic devices powered up. Whether it’s keeping your smartphone charged for traffic updates or ensuring the kid’s tablets remains operational, having a charging point means you’re covered.
Tablets
With the Easter school break just around the corner, many parents will be making the most of the bank holiday. However, keeping children entertained whilst on the roads is an art in itself. Having a child friendly tablet with a good battery life with games, books, and films downloaded for the journey could make all the difference and help time pass more quickly.
GPS app
While it might seem fairly obvious to have a reliable GPS app downloaded before you embark on your travels, many people overlook planning their route. Even if you think you know the roads well, it’s sensible to check your journey before you leave to avoid any unexpected congestion or accidents. The Waze navigation app could work as a great solution as it provides real-time traffic updates throughout your journey and alerts you when a hazard may appear on the road ahead.
There will be huge traffic delays this weekend up and down the country, so make sure your phone is powered up and and your GPS app is on the whole journey.
Car prep
Before heading off, it pays to make sure you check your vehicle is safe for a long journey. Doing these checks the day before will save you time, too. For instance, with an important trip ahead, perhaps with family and friends on board, it is important you check the air pressure in your tyres is correct and that your windscreen washer reservoirs are topped up.
You should also check your oil, and make sure the engine coolant is at the correct level, as both fluids are will help reduce the chances of an unwanted breakdown.
And don’t forget about fuel. Or charging the battery if you drive an electric car.
Passenger prep
It’s crucial that the car is prepared before hitting the road, but equally it’s important to prioritize passenger comfort to make the journey as smooth as possible. Ensuring that you have snacks and water at the ready is a must for a more enjoyable experience, especially when the traffic is unpredictable. However, safety is also paramount, so having a first aid kit at hand in case of emergency is advisable.
If you factor in regular breaks along your journey with opportunities for passengers to stretch their legs and top up on snacks, the Easter should prove more enjoyable. Being mentally prepared with a few in-car games for the kids, even it it’s just I spy, can go a long way to making a long trip more bearable as well.
Finally, don’t forget about the travel sickness remedies if anyone in your party is partial to needing them – especially as some need a little time to start working before you set off.
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