Christmas traffic warning for M25, M6, M4 and M1 drivers
Experts from the AA and RAC have predicted an unprecedented build-up on major routes, with commuters joining the last-minute surge of shoppers and motorists setting out on festive breaks. The AA reported that traffic[1] will peak on Friday (December 19), with about 24.4 million cars on the UK's roads. Drivers have been warned to expect long delays while roads are expected to remain busy into the start of next week.
The RAC has estimated 37.5 million leisure trips on roads across the country between Wednesday (December 17) and Christmas Eve (December 24). This is the highest week-before-Christmas count since data tracking started in 2013. Transport analytics company, Inrix, predicted long hold-ups for several major routes on Friday.
'Weekend gridlocks' expected on 5 major UK roads this Christmas
Meanwhile, weekend gridlocks have also been forecast from 11am to 7pm on both Saturday (December 20) and Christmas Eve.
Potential traffic hotspots include:
- M25 clockwise from Junction 15 to 19, 23 to 28
- M4 eastbound from Junction 29
- M6 northbound from Junction 5 to 10A and 18 to 24
- M1 northbound from Junction 22 to 26
- M60 clockwise from Junction 7 to 18
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Although a slight drop in traffic to 22.7 million is predicted on Christmas Eve, the RAC's expert calculated 4.2 million leisure trips on the day alone, with an estimated 18.3 million cars on the road on Christmas Day (December 25). December 24 is forecast to be the most significant day for road trips over the festive season. AA expert patrol, Shaun Jones, said: "It's beginning to look a lot like traffic.
"Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time. "Patience will be your best present this year." According to the AA's member survey and the RAC's national survey, between 25% and 30% of respondents planning to drive in the week leading to Christmas intend to do so for work.
Most participants also revealed that they would not typically travel more than 50 miles. Adding to the expected congestion, the M27 motorway will be closed from 8pm on Christmas Eve until 4am on January 4 for necessary works. This closure will disrupt both directions between Junctions 9 and 11, affecting journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth.
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The RAC's mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender, commented: "With record numbers predicted to be taking to the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to be Grinch-worthy without some careful planning."
National Highways has confirmed that they will endeavour to "remove as many roadworks as we safely can" to help alleviate traffic disruptions over the holiday period. The AA's forecast was based on a member survey of more than 10,000, and the RAC's estimates came from a national survey of 2,191 UK adults. Recommended reading:
The responses were applied to the 34 million registered cars in the UK. With the promise of standstill traffic on the horizon, motorists have been advised to check their routes and plan accordingly. What days are you planning to travel on for Christmas?
Let us know in the comments below.