Easter getaway: Traffic expected to peak today

Drivers are being warned this Easter is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years.

Today (Thursday) is predicted to be one of the worst for traffic as many look to get away in the mild weather for an Easter holiday.

The AA and Trafficmaster are predicting about 16 million cars will hit the roads over the Easter period, with visiting family or friends the top choice - particularly in London and the South-east.

Easter Sunday is usually one of the quietest days on the roads and Easter Monday will see heavy homebound traffic from lunchtime onwards, as youngsters return to school the following day.

According to Trafficmaster, the top five busiest stretches are likely to be:

• A303 - Westbound from M3/J8 through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset
• M1 - From Junction 6A (M25 interchange) to Junction 13; and from Junction 23A to Junction 32 (M18)
• M5 - From Junction 15 (Almondsbury) towards Junction 31 (Exeter for West Country)
• M6 - Through West Midlands (from Junction 4A) and northwards towards Lancashire (Junction 21A)
• M25 - All sections, especially both ways around J14/17 (Heathrow Airport and M4, M40 interchanges)