BRIT drivers have been warned of the exact dates they should avoid using major roads across the country over Christmas.
This includes possible queues on the likes of the M1 and M25 as a record number of cars lookset to hit the highways.
Thankfully, our handy interactive maps can show which areas are the worst affected and help you plan your journeys ahead of the big day.
According to the AA, 23.7 million drivers are expected to hit the roads on Friday December 20 – the highest since records began in 2010.
Traffic hotspots on Friday include:
Saturday, December 21 and Monday, December 23 will offer little respite, with each set to see 22.7 million drivers on the roads – resulting in the AA issuing several amber traffic warnings.
Traffic hotspots on Saturday include:
Traffic hotspots on Monday include:
The motoring experts believe the most common reason for travelling over the festive period will be visiting family and friends – with around three-quarters driving home for Christmas.
What’s more, nearly half of all drivers will be heading out shopping, with the AA suggesting last-minute shoppers seek out retailers that are happy to let you leave items to collect later, to save repeated trips back to the car.
Other stats suggest a fifth of drivers are set to be working at some point over the festive period, while just 7% revealed they will be driving to a sporting event.
The Met Office has predicted wetter and windier weather, with snow not ruled out on higher ground and temperatures expected to be the seasonal norm.
It’s been suggested that Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday may help spread festive journeys – but could also mean more days of long delays.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “The ghost of Christmas past shows that each year, avoidable breakdowns snowball into miles of queues on the roads.
“Drivers can maintain the Christmas cheer by performing basic checks on their car before any journey.
“This includes topping up the windscreen wash and anti-freeze, checking your lights and adjusting tyre pressures for a full load if necessary.
“With people driving fewer miles, it means there will be more localised congestion as record numbers head out on the roads this festive period.
“The best way to ensure hassle-free journeys is to plan them well.
“Check the traffic reports before you leave and try to travel when it’s quieter if you can, or consider taking a different route to beat the jams.”
