Hertfordshire holidaymakers face long delays over the Easter weekend as more than 14 million getaway trips are expected.

There will be a surge in traffic as the bank holiday weekend coincides with the start of the two-week break for schools, the RAC has warned.

The M25 between the M1 in Hertfordshire and the M23 for Gatwick is expected to be the busiest route on Thursday, March 28, between 2pm and 7pm as holidaymakers compete with regular commuters.

Journeys on this stretch from 4pm are expected to take more than twice as long as usual.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With Easter falling earlier than usual at the start of the school holidays, it could be carmageddon for holidaymakers.”

A total of around 14.5 million getaway trips are expected between Thursday and Easter Monday, including 2.6 million on Good Friday.

Saturday and Sunday will each see 2.3 million getaway trips, while a further 3.3 million are forecast by drivers who are undecided exactly what day they will travel.

Holidaymakers are advised to set off as early as possible on Good Friday or wait until the late afternoon as the longest delays are expected to be between 11am and 3pm.