People thinking of getting away for the Easter bank holiday weekend may want to reconsider what time they set off today, as Lancashire's motorways are already congested. 

At 11am on Good Friday (March 29) both the AA traffic website and National Highways website reported queuing traffic and heavy congestion on the M61 northbound from Bolton right the way up to Preston, and on the M6 northbound from Charnock Richard to north of junction 31 for Preston. 

Motorists heading to the Lakes and beyond can expect delays, with tailbacks affecting traffic close to the Samlesbury Interchange and the M61 junction with the M65.

The AA website states: "Queueing traffic on M6 Northbound at J30 M61.

"Congestion to the M61 back to J8 (Chorley). Holiday traffic.

"Severe delays of 22 minutes and delays increasing on M6 Northbound between M6 (Charnock Richard Services) and J31 A59 Preston New Road (Samlesbury).

"Average speed 15 mph."

The National Highways website states: "The M6 northbound between junctions J27 and J29. Congestion.

"Normal traffic conditions are expected between 11:30 and 11:45 on March 29, 2024

"There are currently delays of 20 minutes against expected traffic."