Drivers are being urged to avoid travelling on major routes during peak hours on Friday and Saturday, as record-breaking Christmas traffic is expected to bring significant delays to Britain’s roads.
The RAC, in partnership with transport analytics firm Inrix, predicts a staggering 29.3 million festive journeys will take place between Wednesday and Christmas Eve, marking the highest levels since records began in 2013. Traffic is expected to peak between 1pm and 7pm on both Friday and Saturday.
Key areas likely to experience severe congestion include:
- M3: Between its junction with the M25 and the south coast.
- M25: Anticlockwise from its junctions with the M1 and the M23.
- M53: From Chester to Liverpool
Approximately 3 million leisure trips by car are planned for Friday, with an additional 3.7 million expected on Saturday. Christmas Eve is anticipated to see the busiest getaway traffic, with 3.8 million journeys.
Alice Simpson, spokesperson for the RAC, advised drivers to carefully plan their travel times. “With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, many will be squeezing in their trips right up until the big day.
Snarl-up Saturday and Christmas Eve look particularly challenging,” she said. “Travelling outside peak hours could be the best way to avoid the worst delays.”
An RAC survey of 1,074 adults revealed that 53% prefer driving for greater flexibility, while 35% believe public transport takes too long, and 34% find it impractical due to travelling with luggage or multiple passengers.
National Highways has announced that over 95% of roadworks on England’s motorways and major A roads will be suspended from 6am on Friday, with work resuming on 2 January.
This includes 45 miles of roadworks on the M1, where additional smart motorway stopping areas are being installed.
Andrew Butterfield, National Highways’ customer service director, stressed the importance of preparation. “With more people travelling this festive period and recent storms causing disruptions, planning ahead and driving cautiously is crucial. We’re removing roadworks on most of the roads we manage to make journeys smoother.”
Rail Disruptions Add to Travel Chaos
Rail engineering works and staffing shortages are expected to increase pressure on the roads. Major disruptions include:
- London Liverpool Street Station: Closed from Christmas Day to 2 January.
- London Paddington Station: Shut between 27–29 December.
- Crewe to Liverpool: No direct services from 28 December to 3 January.
- Harpenden to London: No trains from 21–29 December.
- Cambridge Area: Services disrupted from 27 December to 5 January.
- With limited rail options and ongoing travel disruptions, drivers are advised to stay updated and consider alternative routes where possible.
