Drivers in Essex urged to plan travels ahead of Easter
Traffic is expected to hit roads across the country this weekend
Drivers hitting the roads this Easter are being urged to check their travel routes and prepare for what is expected to be a busy weekend on the roads across Essex.
This bank holiday weekend coincides with the start of the Easter holiday for many schools across the counties, which is predicted to cause higher traffic on the roads.
The traffic hotspots remain the motorways, with the RAC warning of up to double the travel time it would normally take along parts of the M25.
Secondary roads are no exception, with many planning alternative routes to reach their destination.
Andrew Broughton, from National Highways, said: "The first bank holiday weekend of the year, we can expect a lot of people to be heading out making the most of the long weekend so what we do is our best keep the motorways flowing."
"The routes heading to the coasts and to the airports will be busy and particularly those heading to the channel ports, towards Dartford."
National Highways assured 98% of roadworks have been lifted to ease journeys over the next few days, with works to roads needing repairs expected to be carried out from Tuesday onwards.
One of the exceptions is the A1M, which has been undergoing works, and is expected to remain closed until the night and possibly into the morning.
Mr Broughton said: "At the moment we're dealing with a surface defect on the A1M and we're expecting the northbound carriageway to be closed on Thursday and possibly into Friday as well."
The message remains clear, National Highways is urging drivers to check before they travel - both their route and their vehicle.
"There are some simple checks that drivers can do before they set off than can help prevent breaking down, simple things like checking that vehicles are topped up with fuel, oil and screen wash, and to do an inspection on the tyres", added Mr Broughton.
Popular routes to travel destinations are expected to experience the highest traffic.