Video footage shows the M6 motorway packed with cars this morning as drivers getaway for the Easter Bank Holiday.
The clip, which was taken near Preston, shows queues of stationary vehicles on the northbound side of the motorway. The road is expected to remain packed throughout today, as holidaymakers and families head to the Lake District on Good Friday.
Earlier this morning, a broken down vehicle also added to the traffic build-up on the M6. All lanes have been reopened, though traffic remains slow from junction 32 to junction 33 on the northbound carriageway.
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This comes as drivers were warned of delays and severe queues this weekend, with 17 million leisure trips by car predicted to be made. A survey of 2,400 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC suggested 2.7 million car journeys have been planned for Good Friday and Easter Sunday by drivers embarking on day trips or overnight stays.
Saturday and Easter Monday are expected to be slightly less busy, with 2.3 million separate getaway trips on each day. RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: "With many people keen to make the most of the double bank holiday this Easter weekend, we’re expecting the customary jams across parts of the road network to make this Good Friday a bad Friday for drivers, especially those who are planning on covering longer distances.
"Traffic volumes could be even higher if the sun chooses to make a welcome appearance. The South and West are the areas to watch as they’re home to some vital roads responsible for carrying vast numbers of people to the holiday destinations of the West Country.
"Our advice to anyone heading that way is to get on the road as early as possible on Good Friday, or travel on a different day entirely."
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