Half of all UK motorists are expected to be on the road at some point during Christmas Eve
Drivers are being warned to expect severe delays on UK roads on Christmas Eve. Though fewer commuters are expected, having long since booked the day off work, as many as 2.5 million ‘leisure’ trips are anticipated on Monday. This, according to the RAC and INRIX, is likely to result in traffic congestion, with the M1 north J21 (Coventry/Leicester) to J26 (Nottingham/Ripley) likely to be worst affected. The M25, M5, M6 and M40 are also expected to see ‘significant delays’.
The days after Christmas are also expected to be even busier in terms of leisure trips, with the same report warning that 6.8 million individual trips will be made on Boxing Day with a further 4.4 million journeys anticipated the following day.
Disruption to the country’s rail network is also listed as a potential contributory factor in the congestion on the roads, with more people forced to travel by car instead of train.
“We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible for this Christmas getaway and that’s why we’re keeping more than 97 per cent of our road network free from roadworks,” said Melanie Clarke, Highways England’s customer service director.
“We know that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times on our roads and we’d also like to remind people about the importance of checking their vehicle before setting off on their journeys. Simple things like checking your fuel and oil levels, tyre pressures and that all lights are working properly, can keep you moving and the network flowing.”
Drivers are also urged to check weather forecasts before setting out on their journeys.
“With millions of journeys being made over the festive holidays, we’re urging travellers to check the forecast before they travel,” said Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge. “Winter weather can bring many risks, but knowing the forecast in advance and being aware of any potentially hazardous weather conditions you may face will help you prepare and it will make all the difference to your journey. Surprises have their place at Christmas, but it’s best to reserve them for the giving of presents, rather than being needlessly caught out by the weather.”
