Drivers in Kent are being warned to brace themselves for potential travel misery ahead of the Easter getaway.

Almost 19 million journeys are expected to take place across Britain in the next five days, according to the RAC.

It says the peak time for travel will be Good Friday when nearly 4.5 million car journeys are due and the roads will be busiest before 10am and after 4pm.

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But the rush to escape is due to begin straight after work today when the joint second highest peak of 3.18 million journeys is expected.

The worst of today’s traffic is predicted to be before 4pm and after 7pm.

Another 3.18 million journeys are expected to happen on Saturday and around 1.91 million on Bank Holiday Monday.

Unsettled weather conditions are also likely to make driving conditions awkward.

Traffic spokesman at the RAC, Rod Dennis, said: "While Easter is a little earlier this year than last, our research suggests drivers are just as keen as ever to get away and make the most of the long weekend.

“But if drivers are hoping for the longer days to herald better weather, they are likely to be disappointed.

"The ‘Beast from the East’ might have departed but much more unsettled conditions look set to make a very unwelcome return – with the risk of snow for some of us, and strong winds and rain for a lot of the country.

"We strongly recommend motorists keep abreast of the weather forecast through this week to help them organise their trips.

“If you are planning a longer trip, we strongly recommend you ensure your car is up the job before you set out.

“Spending just a few minutes checking things like the condition of your vehicle’s tyres, its oil and screen wash levels and of course ensuring you have enough fuel for your journey, could make the difference between a trouble-free journey and an undesirable breakdown at the roadside.

“If conditions turn wintry, it is also advisable to be prepared by taking extra warm clothing, a blanket and a hot flask of drink – and make sure your mobile phone is fully charged so you can reach help if you need it.”

The advice was echoed up by Green Flag, which estimates there will be 10 breakdowns a minute (56,200) across the UK between Friday and Monday.

Of these it is expecting 4,669 motorists to need assistance due to flat batteries, another 5,126 due to tyre-related and 811 for brake-related issues.

Simon Henrick, head of news at Green Flag, said: "With more traffic than usual, it’s no surprise that a high number of breakdowns are forecast, and this is set to be worsened due to the return of bad weather.

“Drivers need to be aware that many breakdowns are avoidable if people ensure their cars are road ready before they embark on long journeys."

Highways England has pledged to try and ease the burden on the country's busiest A roads by completing 18.2 miles of ongoing roadworks in Kent or pausing them until after Easter.

Engineering work on Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will also cause disruption on some train routes in Kent.

A replacement bus service will be in place between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks from Good Friday until the start of service on Tuesday as a result of new track being laid in the Sevenoaks Tunnel.

Train lines between Dartford and Crayford and some services from Folkestone Central, Dover Priory, Deal and Canterbury East will also be affected on Easter Sunday.