As MANY as 16 million cars could be on the road over the Easter weekend, according to the AA and ­traffic information firm Trafficmaster.

With mild, dry weather forecast, the number of motorists getting behind the wheel is likely to be far higher than last year when Easter was cold and snowy.

A survey of nearly 24,000 AA members revealed around 55% could drive at Easter with those from Northern Ireland the most likely to get the car out.

Least likely to take to the road are Scots, with those spending Easter away from home likely to drive an average of 148 miles. This figure increases to 160 miles for those aged 18-24, with visiting family common.

Traffic is expected to pick up from this Friday with many people taking next week as holiday.