The Royal Automobile Club has urged drivers to take to the roads early if they can this week, as they expect the highest number of road users in four years this easter weekend.

The RAC believes there are nearly 21 million leisure journeys planned over the period. Routes to coastal spots are expected to be particularly busy, the AA said. Congestion is expected on the M4, M25, M5, M40 and M1.

Research by the RAC shows that while 31% of drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel costs, caused by the current conflict in the Middle East that has seen pump prices soaring, most are not changing their plans.

Given the record number of journeys planned, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin, said it was best to fill up and hit the road as early as possible - and definitely before 10am on Thursday.

He said: "Fuel prices may have risen sharply in recent weeks, but our research with drivers shows they are still determined to make the most of the Easter break.

"Despite diesel costing around £19 more per tank than last year and petrol about £8 more, only a small number of people are actually changing their plans. For many, Easter is the first real chance to get away since Christmas, so we're urging drivers to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest forecourts near them."

He added: "This year we're expecting one of the busiest Easter getaways since 2022, with planned leisure trips rising again for the second year running.

"Traffic is likely to build from Thursday as schools break up, with the M5 towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25 set to be particularly congested. The worst delays are expected from around 10am, so getting on the road early is still the best way to avoid the queues."

Fuel prices have spiked across the world as the critial trade route throught the Strait of Hormuz remains a contencious point in the conflict.

About one fifth of the all global oil traded passes through the Strait of Hormuz.