Drivers across the UK have been warned over 'frantic' traffic in the run-up to Christmas with increased pressure on the roads following the rail strikes.
We are expected to make an estimated 20 million trips to see our friends in family ahead of the big day.
The festive leisure traffic is set to steadily rise from Monday, December 19.
The automotive services company RAC has predicted that traffic will peak on Friday, December 23 and Christmas Eve.
The warning comes as thousands of Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members at Network Rail prepare to strike from 6 pm on December 24.
Passengers hoping to travel by train have been advised to travel as early as lunchtime during this period which will prompt many to consider alternative transport arrangements - including by car and bus.
RAC warns UK drivers over Christmas traffic amid strikes
7.9 million 'getaway' journeys will be made during the two days before Christmas day, according to the RAC's predictions.
Its traffic estimates are based on a survey of 1,886 UK adults carried out by the RAC last week.
RAC spokesman, Rod Dennis, said: “Our research suggests getaway traffic will build steadily all week, culminating in two frantic days of travelling just before Christmas itself.
“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.
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“If possible, drivers should try to make their trips on a quieter day earlier this week if they possibly can.”
The public has been told to expect traffic jams in cities and on major routes as drivers travelling for Christmas join the roads alongside everyday motorists and commuters.
In fact, journey times are estimated to be 14% longer compared with the same period last year, according to the transport analytics company Inrix.
Where are the worst roads in the UK for Christmas traffic?
The roads which are likely to be hit the worst by congestion this week include the M25, the M60 near Manchester, the M6 in north-west England and the M40 in Oxfordshire.
98% of England's motorways and major A-roads will be fully open from Tuesday, December 20 at 6am until the end of January, National Highways.
This will be possible by either completing or lifting roadworks.
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What is the worst time to travel on UK roads this Christmas?
The worst times to travel on December 23 and Christmas Day have been predicted as the following:
- December 23 - 10 am to 7 pm
- Christmas Eve - 12 pm and 1 pm
AA issues amber traffic warning to UK drivers ahead of Christmas
The AA has issued an amber traffic warning to drivers for Friday and Saturday.
It has also urged motorists to carry out car checks such as levels of fuel, oil, coolant and screen wash, and ensure tyres are correctly inflated.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Breakdowns add to traffic jams, so if everyone spent 10 minutes checking their car before leaving it could save everyone hours on their journey.”
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