Drivers across Essex are being urged to plan ahead this Easter weekend, with heavy rain, strong winds and major rail closures expected to pile pressure onto already busy roads.
Experts warn it could be one of the busiest Easter getaways in recent years, as millions of people travel over the bank holiday while disrupted train services push more journeys onto the roads.
According to Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), motorists should be prepared for challenging conditions, with yellow weather warnings in place and gusts forecast to reach up to 60mph in exposed areas.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said drivers need to take extra care as wet and windy weather combines with increased traffic levels.
She said: “Heavy rain can greatly reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, while strong crosswinds can make handling more difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles.”
In Essex, key routes such as the A12, A120 and roads linking to the M25 are expected to see significant congestion, particularly as rail engineering works elsewhere in the country encourage more people to drive.
Motoring experts say the usual Easter hotspots could be even worse this year.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, warned that road networks nationwide will feel the strain.
He said: “With significant rail closures pushing more people into their cars this year, the usual pressure points are going to be even more intense than normal.”
For Essex drivers, that could mean long delays on routes heading towards London, Suffolk and coastal destinations such as Clacton and Harwich, especially during peak getaway times on Good Friday and return journeys on Easter Monday.
Motorists are being advised to:
- Allow extra time for journeys
- Check routes before travelling
- Increase stopping distances in wet weather
- Keep both hands on the wheel in strong winds
Drivers should also carry out basic vehicle checks before setting off, including tyres, wipers, lights and fluid levels.
With conditions expected to deteriorate at times over the weekend, safety experts say drivers should be prepared to delay their journeys if necessary.
National Highways is urging road users to monitor live traffic updates and plan travel outside peak hours where possible.
