UPDATE: Over 20 million cars are expected to flood UK roads this Boxing Day, as millions prepare to travel for family visits and post-Christmas sales. The Automobile Association (AA) has estimated that 19.7 million car journeys will occur today, with congestion peaking between 10 AM and 7 PM. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid these hours if possible.
The RAC and transport analytics firm Inrix have identified critical congestion hotspots, including the M25 clockwise from Junction 7 to Junction 16, and the M40 northbound from Junction 8A to Junction 10. These areas are likely to experience significant delays as holiday traffic surges.
A recent survey of over 10,000 AA members indicates that 60-63% will travel to visit family or friends during the festive period, while 47-52% plan shopping trips. Nearly half of respondents anticipate making car journeys of up to 50 miles today.
The traffic chaos doesn’t end on Boxing Day. The AA forecasts 18 million trips on New Year’s Day, followed by a sharp increase to 20.7 million on January 2, as many return to work and school. The peak will hit on January 5 when 22 million cars are projected to be on the road.
Travelers in the south face additional challenges due to ongoing roadworks on the M27 between Junctions 9 and 11, which will remain closed until 4 AM on January 4. This disruption affects routes between Southampton and Portsmouth, adding to the potential for lengthy delays.
Shaun Jones, an expert from the AA, commented on the situation:
“Throughout the festive season, we see a real mix of activity on the roads. Visiting family and picking up shopping keep people moving locally, even when long-distance trips are few and far between.”
He warns that the calm of New Year’s Day will be short-lived, predicting a rapid rebound in traffic by January 2.
In preparation for the busy travel days, drivers are advised to ensure their vehicles are road-ready by checking tyres, battery, and fuel levels. National Highways is lifting over 90% of roadworks on major motorways by 6 AM on December 21, allowing for smoother travel through the holiday period.
Rail services are also severely impacted, with no trains operating on Christmas Day and a limited schedule on Boxing Day. Network Rail has warned that engineering work will disrupt services on key routes, including the West Coast Main Line, until January 4.
As the roads and railways brace for unprecedented travel volumes, stay tuned for real-time updates and road conditions. Share this information to keep others informed and safe this holiday season.
