Christmas traffic will be chaotic this year, here’s how you can avoid it

It is estimated that 20 million car journeys will be made as we approach Christmas Day this Sunday with the worst congestion expected between 10am and 7pm on Friday and midday and 1pm on Saturday.

Of those 20 million journeys, the RAC has predicted 7.9 million will be made on the 23 and 24 December and so motorists are being urged to avoid travel on these days if possible, as per The Sun.

Strikes

Part of the reason for such heavy traffic is that the rail strikeshave meant train passengers are being urged to finish their rail journeys earlier, meaning many are opting to take the car instead.

It is thought that total traffic volume will be much greater as we approach the weekend with drivers on the road going away for the holiday period as well as regular commuters competing for space on the roads.

Transportation analytics company Inrix have stated they believe journey times will be around 14% longer compared with the same period last year with jams expected in cities and on major roads, as per The Sun.

Motorways

The motorways expected to see most of the congestion include the M25, the M60, the M6 and the M40. National Highways said it will ensure nearly 98% of the country’s motorways and major A-roads will be fully open from 6am today until the end of January 2 despite ongoing roadworks.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said, as per The Sun:

Our research suggests getaway traffic will build steadily all week, culminating in two frantic days of travelling just before Christmas itself.

By Friday, we fear it will be a case of jams today and jams tomorrow on the roads as millions of people jump behind the wheel to see family and friends - with last-minute Christmas shoppers as well as the impact of another rail strike also leading to an increase in traffic.

If possible, drivers should try to make their trips on a quieter day earlier this week if they possibly can.

The figures come from traffic estimates by the RAC based on a survey of 1,886 UK adults conducted last week. Motorists are being urged by the AA to carry out basic car checks to reduce the chance of breaking down and increasing disruption. These include checking levels of fuel, oil, coolant and screen wash as well as checking the tyres.

Sources used:

- The Sun 'Exact time Christmas traffic chaos will hit revealed – when to stay OFF the roads as holiday getaway kicks off'