People embarking on Easter trips are being warned to brace themselves for travel chaos.
Airports are expected to be heaving due to staff shortages, industrial action and maintenance. Meanwhile, the RAC is expecting Easter weekend to see our roads at their busiest in at least eight years.
The Mirror reports it predicts 21.5 million leisure trips will be made by car between Good Friday and Easter Monday – the most since the service began tracking motorists’ Easter plans in 2014.
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The busiest single day on the roads is expected to be Good Friday. RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “After two years of relatively quiet Easter bank holidays, our research suggests a return to traffic levels that are much more typical of this time of year.
“It’s very possible this weekend could turn out to be one of the busiest for many years. Add in the impact of disruption on the rail network and one of the biggest fixtures of the sporting calendar, and you’ve all the ingredients needed for problems.
“Traffic volumes will likely be even higher if some warm spring sunshine makes an appearance.” Mr Dennis urged those drivers who must travel to make sure vehicles are prepared.
He continued: “This is even more important for anyone travelling longer distances than they have for several months. A breakdown is much less likely if a car’s oil and coolant levels, as well as tyre pressure and tread depth, have all been checked before setting out.”
Motorists also face the most expensive Easter on record when it comes to fuel prices. Government figures show the average cost of a litre of petrol on April 4 was 161.9p, with diesel at 176.0p.
Disruption is also expected across other modes of transport. Airlines and airports are struggling to cope with staff sickness and shortages, with thousands of flights cancelled by easyJet and British Airways in recent weeks.
Manchester airport is warning passengers to expect waits of up to 90 minutes. Rail passengers are likely to be hit by delays as Network Rail carries out 530 engineering projects costing a total of £83million.
The West Coast Main Line will be closed between London Euston and Milton Keynes over Easter due to upgrades – this fuelled a fan outcry after the FA insisted the Liverpool and Manchester City match be held at Wembley rather than in the North. Tailbacks are likely to remain on roads in Kent due to a shortage of cross-Channel sailings caused by the suspension of operations by P&O Ferries after it axed nearly 800 workers. It hopes to resume services this week pending regulatory approval.
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