Millions set for Easter travel despite rising fuel costs | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNeil LancefieldThursday 02 April 2026 01:28 BSTRachel Reeves indicates millions will get no help on fuel billsMillions of motorists are embarking on Easter getaway trips across the UK, with the AA estimating 21.7 million journeys planned for Thursday alone, making it potentially the busiest Easter on roads since 2022, according to the RAC.Despite escalating fuel costs, driven by a surge in oil prices due to conflict in the Middle East, most drivers are planning relatively short journeys, with over half expecting to travel under 50 miles.National Highways is lifting 1,500 miles of roadworks to ease congestion, but drivers heading to continental Europe are advised to refuel in the UK due to significantly higher petrol and diesel prices abroad.Around two million people are expected to travel abroad, but UK holidaymakers flying to the EU face potential two-hour delays upon arrival due to the new Entry Exit System (EES) requiring fingerprint and photo registration.Thousands of train journeys will also be disrupted by over 270 Network Rail upgrade projects, including a six-day shutdown on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Milton Keynes.In fullAlmost 22 million cars set to hit UK roads despite surge in fuel prices as Easter getaway beginsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in