As the Easter weekend approaches and schools close for the holidays, drivers are being advised to brace themselves for significant delays on the M5, with the term 'carmageddon' being used to describe the expected congestion. The surge in holiday traffic, combined with scheduled rail disruptions, is anticipated to heavily impact travel times across the region.

The RAC warns that over 14 million trips are planned during the Easter getaway, potentially doubling the duration of some journeys. The southbound stretch of the M5, between Bristol and Taunton, is forecasted to be among the most congested areas. To mitigate the impact, the RAC advises travellers to consider departing late on Thursday (March 28) or early on Good Friday (March 29).

In addition to the road traffic, rail passengers will face their challenges. Network Rail has announced engineering works that will close the southern section of the West Coast Main Line from Good Friday to Easter Monday, further complicating travel plans for many.

Traffic analysts at Inrix highlight that Thursday's peak congestion is expected between 2pm and 7pm, coinciding with leisure travellers and regular commuters. The worst congestion on Good Friday is predicted to occur between 11am and 3pm, suggesting that an early morning or late afternoon departure could ease travel stress.

The tourism sector is set to benefit significantly from the holiday rush. VisitEngland reports that around 11 million UK residents are planning overnight trips this Easter, contributing an estimated £3.2 billion to the economy. The RAC and Inrix's survey further details that Good Friday alone will see 2.6 million leisure journeys by car, with the weekend continuing to experience high volumes of travel.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson and Inrix analyst Bob Pishue both emphasise the importance of planning to avoid peak travel times. Simpson advises against midday travel to popular destinations like the West Country, the Lake District, and the South Coast, while Pishue recommends avoiding peak commuter hours to circumvent the longest delays.

Chris Wood from the AA advises motorists to perform basic vehicle checks before embarking on their journeys, highlighting the importance of checking oil, coolant, and windscreen wash levels to ensure a smooth trip.

With Easter falling early this year, the combined impact of holiday traffic and rail disruptions is poised to test the patience of travellers. However, with careful planning and timing adjustments, it's hoped that the worst of the Easter 'carmageddon' can be avoided, allowing holidaymakers and local residents alike to enjoy the festive period.