West Midlands drivers warned of 'busiest Easter' on roads in four years despite fuel hikes
Drivers in the West Midlands are being warned to expect the busiest Easter travel on the region’s roads in four years, with many motorists undeterred by rising fuel prices.
The RAC estimates that nearly 21 million leisure car journeys are planned across the UK between Thursday (April 2) and Easter Monday (April 6), the highest since 2022, when coronavirus travel restrictions were first lifted in England.
The forecast is based on a survey of 2,219 UK adults conducted between March 20-23, during a period of already elevated fuel costs.
Oil prices have risen to $120 per barrel amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher petrol and diesel costs. The RAC notes that filling a typical 55-litre family car with diesel will cost about £19 more than last Good Friday, while a full tank of petrol is £8 pricier.
The AA predicts traffic will peak on Thursday, as early Easter getaways coincide with the final working day for many commuters. Motorists in the West Midlands are advised to set off before 10 a.m. where possible to avoid the worst congestion.
Regional congestion hotspots in the West Midlands are expected to include:
- The M5 southbound from Junction 15 (West Bromwich) to Junction 23 (Bristol interchange)
- The M40 northbound from Junction 12 (Warwick) to the M42
Routes to coastal destinations, urban centres, and major shopping areas are likely to see heavier-than-usual traffic. National Highways has announced that 1,500 miles of roadworks on motorways and major A roads across England will be lifted during the holiday period to ease journeys.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it’s often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family.
“While a significant number of drivers are concerned about rising fuel prices, a much smaller contingent are actually changing their plans this Easter as a result.
“We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday, when many schools break up.”
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “After what feels like a very long, wet winter, lots of families are looking forward to the Easter break.
“With more than 20 million journeys expected on the busiest days, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest Easters on the roads in recent years.”