16 million to get away as motorists make first big break of 2015
The RAC is advising motorists to plan ahead to dodge the queues this Easter as in total 16 million* are expected to take to the road for the first spring bank holiday of 2015.
The motoring organisation estimates 4 million motorists will be taking to the road on Good Friday to escape for a break, but traffic volumes are expected to peak on Easter Sunday when nearly 4.5 million motorists will be driving – and with the expected heavy traffic comes the risk of jams on some major routes.
“The first spring bank holiday of the year traditionally heralds the start of busier weekends on the nation’s roads,” said RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams. “This Easter is set to be a hectic one with 16 million of us getting behind the wheel for an Easter break, but at least we will benefit from the longer days and lighter evenings to complete our journeys.”
The RAC’s data comes as the Highways Agency announces the lifting of 550 miles of scheduled roadworks across the UK’s strategic road network in time for the Easter break.
Pete Williams continued: “Motorists will welcome the announcement that hundreds of miles of works are being lifted ready for the traditional Easter bank holiday getaway, but they won’t be able to escape them entirely with roadworks and temporary speed restrictions remaining in force in some locations.
“To avoid being the cause of a queue, our advice to motorists is to give their vehicle a quick ‘once over’ before setting off on a long journey. Check things like tyre tread, coolant, oil and screenwash levels, and be sure to carry some emergency motoring essentials such as a first aid kit, a reflective warning sign, and a fully charged mobile phone.
“Finally, we recommend considering starting a journey earlier in the day if the plan is to drive a long distance.”
To help plan a journey, download the free RAC App for iPhone or Android smartphones or visit our route planner, which gives the most up to date road information available including incidents and ongoing roadworks.
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Notes to Editors
*Figure covers expected traffic car volumes on 3 to 6 April 2015 inclusive. Research conducted by Ragdoll in March 2015 with 1,894 motorists as respondents; figure extrapolated to 29.1m licensed cars.
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