Journey times over the Christmas period will be 14% longer than last year.

That’s the prediction from the RAC and INRIX as almost 20 million trips are to be made this week.

It is suggested that 40% of all journeys will take place between December 23-24 with rail strikes adding to the traffic load on the roads.

No TGFI

Alongside this, the AA has also issued a traffic warning. It predicts traffic will build between 10.00 and 18.00 on Friday, while the main congestion on Saturday could be felt between 10.00 and 16.00.

Interchanges connecting the M25 with the M3, M4, M1, M11, M20 and A1(M) are forecast to particularly badly hit.

In the north, further delays are expected to be felt in Cumbria on the M6 interchange with the A69. Also the M62/M60 junctions around Manchester, the A64 between Leeds and York and the M8 surrounding Edinburgh.

Meanwhile the M4/M5 interchange at Bristol is likely to experience heavy congestion throughout the period. The M5 at Exeter is also likely to be difficult, along with the M6 Birmingham area and the M11/A14 junction north of Cambridge.

Hotspot forecast

RAC Christmas traffic

Festive families

Christmas Day itself is also expected to see a lot of people on the move. It’s estimated that 3.6m leisure journeys by car will betaken, with a further 3.3m on Boxing Day. An extra 1.4m trips across both days will be likely, despite no commuter traffic on the roads.

Transport analytics specialists INRIX expects travel times to be around 14% longer this year. Iyt expects stretches of the M25, M60 near Manchester, M6 in the north-west and M40 in Oxfordshire will see some of the longest jams.

Be prepared

“Our research suggests getaway traffic will build steadily all week,” says RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis. “By Friday, we fear it will be a case of ‘jams today and jams tomorrow’ on the roads as millions of people jump behind the wheel to see family and friends – with last-minute Christmas shoppers as well as the impact of another rail strike also leading to an increase in traffic.”

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, is advising drivers check cars before travelling. It comes after the recent snow brought about serious issues for the breakdown services. “During the recent snow and icy weather, we attended numerous breakdowns which could have been avoided completely had their car been checked before leaving. While tyres and oil levels are common items to tick off the list, ensuring screen wash isn’t frozen and wiper blades are in good condition are just as vital, especially with more grit and dirt being kicked up off the road.

“Breakdowns add to traffic jams, so if everyone spent 10 minutes checking their car before leaving it could save everyone hours on their journey.”