With Christmas right around the corner, an estimated 29.3 million journeys will be made by car as people head to visit family and friends, marking the highest number of festive road trips since 2013. Nearly half of these trips (14.3 million) are expected to take place this weekend alone, according to new data from the RAC and INRIX.
Because Christmas falls mid-week this year, expect an extended period of road chaos, with 5.7 million trips planned for Wednesday and Thursday. The real holiday rush begins on Friday, December 20, with 3 million journeys expected, and peaks on "Snarl-up Saturday," December 21, with 3.7 million trips. Sunday, December 22, will see another 2.9 million drivers on the move, while 4.7 million additional trips are anticipated between the 20th and 22nd from travellers who haven’t decided on a specific day yet.
The busiest day is predicted to be Christmas Eve, with 3.8 million getaway trips expected, nearly 800,000 more than the day before. To add to the madness, another 2.5 million motorists plan to travel between December 23 and 24.
Traffic jams are predicted this weekend, especially on the M3 in Surrey and Hampshire, the M25 near Gatwick, and the M53 northbound from Chester to Liverpool. The worst times to travel on Friday and Saturday will be between 1 pm and 7 pm. The RAC and INRIX recommend setting off early or later in the evening to avoid the heaviest congestion.
Even after Christmas, the roads will stay busy with an additional 4.4 million trips expected on Boxing Day and 3.8 million on Friday, December 27. Drivers should avoid major roads between 10 am and 3 pm, when travel times will be at their longest. Railway engineering works at major stations like Liverpool Street and Paddington will also impact travel, causing more delays on surrounding roads.
Why do so many people choose to drive? According to the RAC, 53% of drivers said their car offers more flexibility and convenience than public transport, while 35% claimed public transport would take too long. Additionally, 31% believe driving is cheaper, and 12% are concerned about the weather causing delays or cancellations on public transport.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson advises: “Our research suggests that with Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, many drivers will be squeezing in their getaway trips right up until the big day itself. While the getaway starts to ramp up from Friday, ‘Snarl-up Saturday’ looks particularly challenging as does Christmas Eve. Travelling outside peak hours might be the only way drivers miss the worst of the jams. Planned rail strikes are also likely to add to the misery.
“There’s also no sign of traffic letting up throughout the Christmas period especially as there are major rail engineering works taking place on routes into London and Cheshire. It’s well worth drivers being aware of these and the knock-on effect they’ll have on the roads as the affected lines serve larger areas across the South West, South East and North West.
“While journeys by road are likely to take longer due to the sheer weight of traffic, a vehicle breakdown has the potential to make matters worse and spoil the Christmas spirit. We’d encourage anyone driving home or away for the holidays to make sure their tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated, along with their oil, coolant and screenwash all being at the correct levels.”
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