AA says Christmas traffic will peak early with amber warnings for routes including M25, M1 and M6
Christmas traffic is predicted to peak earlier than normal because Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.
The AA has issued an amber traffic warning for Friday, 22nd December and Saturday, 23rd December – the two days it expects traffic to be bumper-to-bumper on numerous routes as millions embark on a festive getaway.
The breakdown organisation estimates that 16.1 million car journeys will be made on 22nd and 16.4 million cars are predicted to take to the roads the following day.
While Christmas Eve is often the most popular day for festive travel – as people finish work and make their way to family or friends – the addition this year of a weekend immediately before December 25 means traffic experts expect people to set-off earlier.
Motorists are being advised to play close attention to live journey planners and traffic alerts.
Among the routes where the AA expects to see the most traffic on 22nd and 23rd includes the M25 and M20, the M6 close to Birmingham, the M1 from Luton northwards, and the M62, M60, M4 and A34.
However, a weekend directly before Christmas Day could prove to be good news for businesses – with the AA suggesting 23rd and Christmas Eve will also be popular shopping days for some as the dates fall favourably with those still in search of last minute presents.
Edmund King, AA president, is urging all drivers taking to the road over the festive period to travel with essentials including snacks, water and warm clothes, should the unexpected happen.
He added: “While Friday 22nd December and Saturday 23rd December look set to be the busiest traveling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.
“New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening. Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”
