Big Easter Getaway Could Cause Road Chaos

Millions of people planning to get away for the Easter weekend could cause extra congestion on Cheshire's roads.

The RAC has conducted a study of motorists plans and estimate there are 19 million people planning journeys across the country. 

They have also estimated when the busiest times will be, and say that the peak should come on Good Friday with 4.45 million individual journeys being taken. 

In our region however the motoring organisation have told us that Thursday evening may be the worst time to hit the roads due to a mix of commuter and holiday traffic coupled with strikes on Northern Rail. 

They have also come up with a list of hotspots that could be particularly problematic. 

Two of them in our area are the M53 between Chester and Liverpool as well as the A55 North Wales expressway between Chester and Bangor. 

Rod Dennis, from the RAC, said: "In our region it probably is Thursday that is going to be busiest. On that day we have got around 3 million leisure trips obviously mixed with the normal commuter traffic." 

“If you are planning a longer trip, we strongly recommend you ensure your car is up the job before you set out. Spending just a few minutes checking things like the condition of your vehicle’s tyres, its oil and screenwash levels and of course ensuring you have enough fuel for your journey, could make the difference between a trouble-free journey and an undesirable breakdown at the roadside. If conditions turn wintry, it is also advisable to be prepared by taking extra warm clothing, a blanket and a hot flask of drink – and make sure your mobile phone is fully charged so you can reach help if you need it.

“The planned upgrades to some parts of the national rail network will also likely see an increase in road traffic through the weekend, with buses carrying rail passengers in some parts of the north west, south west and east of England.

"The better news for motorists is that many major routes – including motorways and some of the country’s busiest A roads – will be free of the majority of planned roadworks as a result of Highways England completing or pausing work in time for Easter.

You can take a closer look at the research below: 

Easter weekend – planned total leisure journeys by car

Easter weekend – expected peak travel times