Nightmare delays expected next Easter weekend as millions plan getaways
DRIVERS are being warned to expect nightmare delays next weekend as millions embark on Easter getaways.
Air industry staff shortages and engineering work on the railways will also contribute to transport chaos.
The AA estimates that more than 27.6 million car journeys are planned between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Some 13.6 million are expected on the Friday alone, leading to fears of tailbacks on popular tourist routes.
AA spokesman Tony Rich said: “The Easter holidays look set to give British tourism a much-needed boost as people cut back on overseas travel.
“With more than 27.6 million trips planned over the bank holiday weekend, we can expect significant congestion across the UK as people flock to coastal resorts and holiday homes.”
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Several airlines and airports are struggling with staff sickness and shortages, with more than 100 daily flights being cancelled by easyJet and British Airways.
And rail passengers are being warned of disruption as Network Rail carries out 530 engineering projects costing a total of £83million.
This includes a closure of the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Milton Keynes between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Cross-Channel ferries will also be busy.
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Roads in Kent have been hit by long queues in recent days due to a shortage of ferries caused by the suspension of sailings by P&O Ferries after it sacked nearly 800 seafarers without notice.
The operator said it plans to resume operations on the Dover-Calais route next week pending regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, parts of the UK could face additional travel problems this week because of wintry weather and more strong winds.
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Another drop in temperatures, coupled with showers and some snow in higher areas, is likely to bring icy stretches to northern England, plus parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
A yellow warning for wind was in place for parts of central and southern England, including London, into yesterday evening.
Salt a cracker
SALT in the air helped cause cracks discovered on trains last year, a probe found.
It corroded aluminium on lifting points used to raise carriages during maintenance work, the Office of Rail and Road said.
Excess movement, not allowed for in the original design, also caused cracking above the wheels of the Hitachi-built rolling stock.
Factors included wheel wear and track design.
Withdrawal of the trains for safety checks led to a week of severe disruption on Great Western Railway, London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine Express and Hull Trains last May.
