Millions of drivers across the United Kingdom are bracing for severe disruption as the festive season reaches its peak, with experts predicting one of the busiest days for traffic on the roads this Christmas.
Perfect Storm of Festive Journeys and Poor Weather
The AA has warned that an estimated 24 million cars could be on UK roads, creating a perfect storm of congestion. This comes as millions embark on Christmas trips, while many others continue their daily commutes until the last working day. The situation is compounded by a continuation of the poor weather that has plagued the country, with showers forecast for northern Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
This follows tricky driving conditions on Sunday, the shortest day of the year, when mist shrouded many parts of the nation. The Met Office has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially with 15 flood warnings still active across England as of Sunday, alongside numerous flood alerts.
RAC Forecasts Peak Travel on Christmas Eve
While the RAC suggests traffic may be slightly lighter on Monday and Tuesday compared to the weekend, the combination of last-minute leisure travel and ongoing commuter traffic is likely to cause significant delays. The real crunch is expected on Christmas Eve.
The RAC anticipates that 4.2 million separate journeys will be made by drivers on 24 December, marking it as the single busiest day for festive getaways. A further 4.2 million journeys are predicted between Monday and Christmas Eve for last-minute shopping and festive activities.
"Drivers will be heading out for all sorts of festive fun — from pantomimes and Christmas markets to family visits and scenic walks," said AA patrol expert Shaun Jones. "But with so many sleighs on the tarmac, patience is the best present you can give yourself."
Essential Safety Advice for Drivers
Authorities are pleading with motorists to prepare thoroughly and adjust their driving for the hazardous conditions. The Met Office advises finding alternative routes if faced with flooded roads and avoiding travel during heavy downpours where possible.
Shaun Jones offered clear guidance for drivers: "With wet and misty conditions expected, take extra care. Slow down, increase your following distance, and make sure your lights are on — and if visibility drops below 100 metres, switch on your fog lights."
He also recommended avoiding sudden braking and keeping windscreens clear to prevent internal misting. For those leaving cars parked over the holidays, Jones advised starting the engine for a few minutes every couple of days to ensure it remains operational for the new year.
With a week of heavy traffic ahead, the key message from breakdown and weather experts is to plan journeys carefully, pack essentials, ensure vehicles are fuelled or charged, and allow plenty of extra time to reach festive destinations safely.
