Almost 22 million cars set to hit UK roads despite surge in fuel prices as Easter getaway begins

Millions of motorists are taking Easter getaway trips across the UK this week despite rising fuel costs at the pumps.

Motoring organization AA has estimated that a staggering 21.7 million journeys were planned for Thursday alone.

This figure, from a survey of more than 13,000 members conducted between March 13 and 19, predates the recent escalation of conflicts in the Middle East.

Separately, the RAC has predicted that this Easter will see the busiest roads since 2022.

Oil prices, which significantly impact wholesale fuel costs, have risen in response to Iran’s tight control over tankers sailing in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The average price of a liter of diesel was 184.2 pence, up 29% since the war began on February 28, the RAC told UK pre-trials on Wednesday.

Average petrol prices increased by 16% to 153.7 pence per liter over the same period.

According to the AA, most drivers plan to keep their Easter journeys relatively short.

Just over half (53%) expect to travel under 50 miles, while 5% plan to travel between 50 and 100 miles.

About 1% expect to travel between 100 and 200 miles, while less than 1% plan to travel more than 200 miles.

Visiting family and friends is the most common purpose for an Easter road trip, with business and shopping trips also featured.

Expected congestion points include:

National Highways has said it will remove 1,500 miles of roadworks from its motorway network and major A roads in England between Thursday and Easter Monday to make journeys easier.

Motorists embarking on Easter trips to continental Europe are being advised to save money by refueling before leaving the UK.

Analysis of the latest European Commission data by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation found that the average price of a liter of petrol in France on 23 March was £1.71, around 25p more than the price in the UK (£1.46 per litre).

Some other European countries, such as the Netherlands (203 pence per litre), Germany (180 pence per litre) and Belgium (156 pence per litre) also had significantly higher prices than the UK.

Figures show diesel prices are also higher on the continent; People in France (183 pence per liter) and the Netherlands (214 pence per liter) charge 13 pence and 44 pence more per liter respectively than those in the UK (170 pence per liter).

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “For those driving across the continent this Easter, it’s a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.

“If pump prices are high here – and they really are – then they are through the roof in many parts of Europe, including France.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but refueling in Dover rather than Calais may be a wise option.”

Travel trade organization Abta estimates that two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

British holidaymakers bound for the European Union are being warned to expect two-hour delays on arrival as countries accelerate the rollout of a new border system.

The EU’s Entry and Exit System involves people coming from third party countries, such as the UK, having their fingerprints taken and having their photographs taken in the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, primarily the EU.

Trade body Airports Council International said the latest data collected from airports across Europe showed “waiting times at border crossing points continue to deteriorate”.

Delays “regularly reached up to two hours during rush hour, with longer queues reported at some airports,” the report said.

EasyJet said it was preparing for its busiest Easter holiday with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school holiday.

Meanwhile, 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 closure on the West Coast Main Line from Good Friday; This means intercity services will not be available between London Euston and Milton Keynes.