21 December 2023 , 08:39
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Motorists are being urged to consider public transport this weekend as Christmas is set to deliver record levels of traffic jams.
Drivers in the UK will make a staggering 21 million trips this festive period, with traffic experts saying the roads may be as much as 20 per cent busier than last year. Sixty per cent of the journeys will be made Traffic analysts predict roads will be 20% busier than last year and say 60% of pre-Christmas journeys will be made in the three days before 25 December.
But there aren't many alternative options for stranded passengers as the main rail stations Paddington, Victoria and Kings Cross are also expected to face disruptions. Traffic watchers Inrix predict that the most congested motorways will be the M25, M1, M6 and M4.
According to the RAC, Friday will be the busiest day as Brits heading off for a spot of winter sun will encounter commuters and the school run. "On average, drivers could see travel times up to 20% longer this holiday season," said Inrix traffic analyst Bob Pishue. "Travellers around Greater London could experience more than double typical drive times. Our recommendation is to avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps to minimise holiday travel traffic frustrations."
The worst traffic will be on the M25 orbital road surrounding London, with the stretch between the M3 and M40 suspected to be the worst hit. The M1 between Luton and Northamptonshire will also come to a standstill. The M5 around Bristol, M60 around Manchester, M6 between Lancashire and Birmingham and the M4 in Wales will also be gridlocked.
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"While Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December look set to be the busiest travelling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays," said AA president Edmund King.
The heaviest congestion will be seen between 12pm and 2pm as that's when people will be heading off on their Christmas getaways. Motorists are being urged to avoid travelling during lunchtime, saying that before 11am or after 6pm would be best on Friday or Saturday.
It comes as Brits are also preparing for a washout Christmas this year as Storm Pia is set to make landfall, and heap further trouble on for Britain's motorists.