The RAC is warning motorists that this Easter weekend will be the busiest on the roads in eight years.
It estimates 21.5 million leisure journeys will be made on the UK's roads between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
If the estimate is accurate, it will be the most since the RAC started tracking Easter bank holiday journeys in 2014. Good Friday on April 15 is set to be the busiest day of the four-day break. The M6 between Manchester and the Lake District is expected to be especially busy, along with the M25 clockwise between Reigate Hill, Surrey and Denham, Buckinghamshire and the A303 near Stonehenge.
Drivers wanting to avoid as much congestion as possible are urged to set off before 9am or delay their journeys until after 7.30pm.
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RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “After two years of relatively quiet Easter bank holidays on the roads, 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 leisure journeys for many years.
“Add in the impact of disruption on the rail network and one of the biggest fixtures of the sporting calendar taking place this weekend, and you have all the ingredients needed for problems on the roads.
“Traffic volumes will likely be even higher if some warm spring sunshine makes an appearance.”
Mr Dennis urged drivers to make sure vehicles are prepared for getaway trips.
“This is even more important for anyone travelling longer distances than they have for several months,” he said.
“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.”
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