Drivers are being urged to expect “daily delays” before the Christmas period with more than 21 million trips planned and huge road changes planned.
UK motorists are expected to make 21 million leisure trips between Monday and Christmas Eve, with experts warning of massive delays each day.
Data from the RAC found that traffic will slowly climb at the start of the week before jumping to 2.2 million trips on Thursday and 3.2 million on Friday.
A further 13.5 million leisure journeys are planned between Friday and Christmas Eve, a huge 20 per cent jump compared to last year.
More than 20 million trips are expected to be taken over the next week
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Transport analysis company Inrix has warned that there are likely to be “daily delays of around 40 minutes” between Friday and Christmas Eve on the M25 clockwise west of London.
There are expectations that the worst traffic on the motorway network will be seen on the M25 clockwise between junction 7 (for the M23/Gatwick airport) and junction 16 (for the M40/Birmingham) on Friday.
Drivers are being urged to avoid being on the road between 12pm and 2pm on the weekend before Christmas, as well as a general warning to set out before 11am and after 6pm to avoid congestion.
Alice Simpson, RAC spokesperson, called on motorists to ensure that their car is in working order before they set off, including checking their tyres and filling or charging up before properly starting their journey.
She added: “Since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, there’s no need for drivers to use annual leave for getaway trips as they can travel over the weekend before.
“For that very reason, our research suggests these days will be the busiest times to drive, so we urge people to set off as early as possible on Saturday and Sunday.”
The warnings have been issued despite National Highways announcing that it would be lifting the majority of roadworks for the festive getaway.
The organisation is removing more than 1,000 miles of roadworks ahead of the planned 21 million leisure trips over the coming week.
More than 98 per cent of motorways and major A-roads will be free of roadworks to ensure drivers have a slightly smoother journey home for the holidays.
The vast majority of roadworks will be removed from 6am on Tuesday, December 19 until 12.01am on Tuesday, January 2.
Guy Opperman, Minister for Roads, said the Government was on the side of drivers and wanted to make the festive rush as stress-free as possible for those on the roads.
He added that action from National Highways would help slash journey times and “help people get from A to B easier”.
Other experts echoed the call from the RAC to check their vehicles before heading off, with major concerns that breakdowns could spike and lead to further misery for drivers.
Andrew Butterfield, customer service director at National Highways, said: “We know from experience that peak travel times can vary at this time of year, so it’s really important that drivers check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.
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National Highways will remove more than 1,000 miles of roadworks
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“It’s also good practice to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey ahead.
“Ensure you have plenty of fuel, the tyres are in good condition, and you have suitable clothing and snacks in the car in case you run into difficulties.”
