URGENT UPDATE: Traffic congestion is set to surge this Boxing Day, with an estimated 20 million cars hitting UK roads as families travel for the holidays and shoppers flock to sales. The AA reports that 19.7 million car journeys are anticipated throughout the country today, with heavy traffic expected between 10 AM and 7 PM.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys carefully, ideally avoiding peak hours. Major congestion hotspots have been identified by the RAC and transport analytics company Inrix, with the following routes particularly at risk:
– The M25 clockwise from Junction 7 to Junction 16
– The M25 anti-clockwise from Junction 17 to Junction 12
– The M40 northbound from Junction 8A to Junction 10
– The M1 southbound from Junction 16 to Junction 6
– The M6 northbound from Junction 5 to Junction 10A
A survey of over 10,000 AA members reveals that visiting family and friends is the primary reason for festive travel, with 60-63% of respondents citing this as their main motivation. Shopping trips follow closely, with 47-52% planning to head out for sales.
Additionally, 49% of respondents indicated they would make car journeys of up to 50 miles today, while 9% intend to travel even farther. Looking ahead, the AA projects that 18 million car trips will occur on New Year’s Day, rising to 20.7 million by January 2 as many return to work and school.
Traffic woes in the south are compounded by the ongoing closure of the M27 motorway between Junctions 9 and 11, which remains shut until 4 AM on January 4 for significant roadworks, disrupting travel between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Shaun Jones, an AA expert patrol, emphasized the diverse reasons for holiday travel, stating, “Throughout the festive season, we see a real mix of activity on the roads. Visiting family, picking up shopping, and getting back to work all keep people moving locally.” He added that New Year’s Day typically represents the quietest period, but traffic is expected to rebound sharply on January 2.
Drivers not venturing out today are urged to prepare their vehicles for the New Year by checking tyres, batteries, screen wash, and fuel levels. National Highways confirmed that more than 90% of roadworks on motorways and major A roads in England will be lifted by 6 AM on December 21, with no return before the early hours of January 2.
The pressure on roads is further exacerbated by significant disruptions to rail services during this period. Train services will halt completely on Christmas Day, with most operators not running any trains on Boxing Day. Network Rail has announced that engineering projects affecting the West Coast Main Line will impact journeys to and from London Euston until January 4, with additional disruptions in various regions.
As the festive travel rush approaches, those planning to drive are reminded to stay vigilant and patient on the roads. For real-time updates and further information, stay tuned to local traffic reports and road safety advisories.
Share this urgent update with friends and family to keep everyone informed!
