The festive season is fast approaching, and with it comes a surge in travel as millions of people hit the roads to visit loved ones, shop for last-minute gifts, and enjoy the holiday spirit. This year, the UK is bracing for record-breaking traffic, with an estimated 29.3 million car journeys expected to take place between Wednesday, December 18, and Christmas Eve, December 24. This marks the highest number of festive road trips since 2013, according to the RAC.
The Busiest Days to Travel
While the entire pre-Christmas week is anticipated to be bustling, certain days stand out as peak travel times:
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Friday, December 20: Around 3 million trips are forecast, with peak congestion likely between 1 pm and 7 pm. This day aligns with the start of the weekend and the final stretch of holiday preparations.
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Saturday, December 21: Dubbed “Snarl-up Saturday,” an estimated 3.7 million journeys will be made. Traffic is expected to build up during similar hours as Friday, making it a challenging day for motorists.
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Christmas Eve, December 24: The busiest day of the season, with approximately 3.8 million trips expected. This day’s traffic will be compounded by last-minute shoppers and commuters finishing work early to head home for the festivities.
Efforts to Ease Congestion
To alleviate some of the stress on the roads, National Highways has announced plans to remove roadworks on 95% of the roads they manage during this period. This initiative aims to provide smoother travel and reduce delays for millions of drivers navigating the holiday rush.
Despite these efforts, roads are still likely to be congested, particularly on major routes such as the M25, M1, and A303, where delays have historically been significant during the festive season. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative routes or travel times to avoid the worst of the traffic.
Travel Tips for the Festive Rush
If you’re planning to hit the roads this Christmas, here are some tips to ensure a safer and more efficient journey:
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Travel Off-Peak: Whenever possible, avoid traveling during peak hours (1 pm to 7 pm) to reduce the risk of being stuck in long queues.
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Check Your Vehicle: Before setting off, make sure your car is winter-ready. Check tire pressure, oil levels, and ensure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up.
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Pack Essentials: Prepare for any delays by packing snacks, water, and entertainment for children if they’re traveling with you. A fully charged phone and a car charger are also must-haves.
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Monitor Traffic Updates: Stay informed about road conditions and delays by checking live traffic updates and using navigation apps that offer real-time congestion data.
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Consider Public Transport: If feasible, public transport might offer a more stress-free alternative to driving, especially for shorter journeys.
The Spirit of Christmas on the Roads
While the thought of bumper-to-bumper traffic might seem daunting, it’s all part of the collective effort to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. Drivers are reminded to stay patient, courteous, and vigilant during their journeys. After all, the most important thing is arriving safely to share in the joy of the season.
As we gear up for what promises to be a record-breaking Christmas travel season, careful planning and a bit of festive cheer will go a long way in ensuring a smooth journey for all. Safe travels, and Merry Christmas