16 December 2022
The AA is issuing an Amber Traffic Warning* for Friday 23 December and Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December), as 17 million drivers** look to join the annual Christmas getaway.
Rail strikes have helped contribute to the high number of cars looking to hit the road this Christmas, with major routes linked to the M25 due to carry most of the strain.
Interchanges connecting the M25 with the M3, M4, M1, M11, M20 and A1(M) are forecast to experience delays over the two-day period.
In the north, delays are expected to be felt in Cumbria on the M6 interchange with the A69, M62/M60 junctions around Manchester, the A64 between Leeds and York and the M8 surrounding Edinburgh.
The M4/M5 interchange at Bristol is likely to experience heavy congestion throughout the period as well as the M5 at Exeter, while delays are predicted to take place on the M6 Birmingham area and the M11/A14 junction north of Cambridge.
The AA is predicting traffic to build between 10.00 and 18.00 on Friday, while the main congestion on Saturday could be felt between 10.00 and 16.00.
AA ROUTE PLANNER AMBER TRAFFIC WARNING MAP – FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER TO SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER
The recent cold snap which has seen a rise in breakdowns for the UK’s number one roadside assistance firm***, revealed that many breakdowns could have been avoided had drivers carried out pre-travel checks on their cars. This includes checking screen wash has not frozen, the condition of tyres and faulty wiper blades.
“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”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “As people start driving home for Christmas, we are advising those heading out in their cars to be prepared for some congestion, especially on popular routes heading out of London.
“The rail strikes have convinced more people to travel by car this year, and while hundreds of miles of roadworks have been removed to ease the pain, it might not be enough to keep the queues away.
“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.
“As well as preparing your car you need to prepare yourself. Carrying warm clothing, water and snacks as well as entertainment for younger travellers in a must. Downloading the AA App**** will keep you up to date with the latest traffic news and can be used to report a breakdown should the worst happen. Having the what3words app downloaded also helps drivers to pinpoint their exact location if they breakdown in difficult to find or remote areas.”
* About the AA Route Planner Traffic Warnings: The first warnings were issued this summer (July 2022) following record traffic at ports on the South Coast of England to alert drivers to the severity of congestion.
Traffic Warnings key:
Green – No warnings issued. Traffic at expected levels with minimal congestion and incidents.
Amber – Warnings issued to prepare drivers for forecast congestion.
Red – Warnings issued to alert drivers to live incidents.
** Christmas Getaway 2022 | AA (theaa.com)
*** Why we're best for breakdown | The AA
**** The AA app | AA