WITH 20 million cars on the roads for the Easter weekend, motorists are being advised on the roads to avoid when getting behind the wheel.

As expected, major motorways will be worst affected on Maundy Thursday, with some journeys expected to take up to three times longer than the average Thursday evening.

The 20 per cent expected increase this evening by transportation analytics group INRIX will add an extra 30 minutes on the journey between the M5 junction at Falfield and Weston-super-Mare.

For those expecting to travel further afield, drivers between junctions 9 and 21 of the M25, in both directions, can expect delays of up to one-and-a-half hours, with further delays expected on the M4 in and out of London and further north along the M6, with delays potentially adding an extra hour to journey times.

Advice being given to motorists is to avoid the roads between 4pm and 6pm, with suggestions also to use A-roads where possible.

The best times to travel either side of the weekend have also been suggested, with motorists advised to get moving before 10am, and after 2pm on Good Friday, and before midday and after 5pm on Easter Monday.

Easter Sunday is however expected to be much quieter, with 25 per cent less cars on the road due to most shops being closed.

“With UK drivers spending an average of 30 hours in congestion last year, they are no strangers to sitting in traffic.” said Graham Cookson, chief economist and head of research at INRIX.

“We expect significant delays over the Easter period due to a combination of factors, including the regular post-work peak, the start of the school break, people going on holiday, railway engineering works and Tube closures.

“Our advice to drivers is to consider alternative routes or avoid peak times altogether. By checking live traffic data drivers can ensure they reach their destinations in good time.”