Easter Getaway Sees 22 Million Cars on UK Roads Despite Soaring Fuel Prices
Millions of motorists across the United Kingdom are embarking on Easter getaway trips this week, undeterred by the escalating cost of fuel at the pumps. Motoring services company the RAC has predicted this will be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, highlighting a significant surge in travel despite economic pressures.
Staggering Journey Numbers Amid Fuel Price Hikes
The AA estimated that a staggering 21.7 million car journeys were planned for Thursday alone, based on a survey of over 13,000 members conducted between March 13 and 19. This figure predates the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which has further impacted oil prices and, consequently, wholesale fuel costs. The RAC noted that oil prices have surged in response to Iran's tightening grip on tankers navigating the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
As of Wednesday, the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts reached 184.2p, marking a 29% increase since the war started on February 28. Similarly, average petrol prices have climbed to 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16% over the same period. These increases have not dampened the travel plans of millions, with the Easter getaway in full swing.
Travel Patterns and Congestion Hotspots
Most drivers are planning to keep their Easter journeys relatively short, according to the AA's data. Just over half (53%) expect to travel under 50 miles, with 5% planning trips of between 50 and 100 miles. About 1% anticipate journeys of 100 to 200 miles, while fewer than 1% plan to clock up more than 200 miles. Visiting family and friends remains the most common purpose for Easter road trips, with work and shopping trips also featuring prominently.
Expected congestion hotspots include:
- The M6 through Birmingham and further north towards Blackpool.
- The M25 between the M23 and M40.
- The M5 in the Bristol area and further into the South West.
- The A303 in Wiltshire.
- The M4 in South Wales.
To ease journeys, National Highways announced it will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks from its network of motorways and major A roads in England between Thursday and Easter Monday.
European Travel and Fuel Price Comparisons
Drivers embarking on Easter trips to continental Europe are advised to save money by refuelling before they leave the UK. Analysis by the RAC Foundation of European Commission data found that the average price of a litre of petrol in France on March 23 was £1.71, some 25p more than in the UK (£1.46 per litre). Other European countries also showed significantly higher prices, such as the Netherlands (203p per litre), Germany (180p per litre), and Belgium (£156p per litre).
Diesel prices were similarly higher on the continent, with forecourts in France (183p per litre) and the Netherlands (214p per litre) charging 13p and 44p per litre respectively more than those in the UK (170p per litre). Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, commented, "For those driving on the continent this Easter it is a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. If pump prices are high here – and indeed they are – then in many parts of Europe they have gone through the roof, including in France. It might seem counterintuitive, but filling up at Dover rather than in Calais could be the wise option."
Broader Travel Impacts and Disruptions
Travel trade organisation Abta estimated that two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday. However, UK holidaymakers jetting off to the European Union are being warned to expect two-hour delays on arrival as countries ramp up deployment of the new Entry Exit System. This system involves people from third-party countries like the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.
Airports Council International reported a "continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points," with delays regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times, and some airports reporting even longer queues. Meanwhile, easyJet is preparing for its busiest Easter getaway, with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school break.
On the rail front, thousands of Easter train journeys will be disrupted as Network Rail carries out more than 270 upgrade projects across Britain. This includes a six-day shutdown on the West Coast Main Line starting on Good Friday, meaning no intercity services will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes.
