Drivers have been warned that this year’s festive getaway could be the busiest on UK roads in five years - including a ‘frantic’ Christmas Eve.
The RAC estimates around 27 million trips will be made by car between Friday and Christmas Eve - with the M60 highlighted as a likely stretch for delays.
The breakdown rescue firm has predicted there will be an average of 4.1 million journeys taking place every day next week, reaching a peak of 5.3 million on Christmas Eve.
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The figures are based on responses from a survey of 1,400 motorists questioned between December 9 and Tuesday (December 14).
The poll suggested that just 10 pc of drivers do not plan on travelling by car over the festive period this year because of the virus.
In addition, traffic information supplier Inrix warned that the worst pre-Christmas traffic jams are likely to be on the M25 between Gatwick Airport and Junction 16 on Thursday afternoon.
Drivers are also likely to face delays on the clockwise M60, the southbound M40 in Oxfordshire and the northern and western sections of the M25.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Despite the increasing prevalence of the Omicron Covid variant, our research shows that the vast majority of drivers are still determined to do Christmas properly this year – in sharp contrast to 12 months ago.
“We’re expecting the biggest Christmas getaway for five years, including a frantic festive Friday on Christmas Eve.
“But with overall traffic volumes in the run-up to the big day set to be down slightly on normal given the current work-from-home guidance, there’s reason to hope there won’t be too many queues as millions get away to see friends and family.”
The RAC is urging drivers to carry out checks on their tyres, oil, coolant and screen wash before embarking on getaway journeys.
Inrix analyst Bob Pishue has also suggested leaving later in the day if possible as roads will begin to clog up during the early afternoon.
Mr Pishue said: “With kids out of school and many Brits taking extended time off for the holidays, drivers can expect moderate delays around the UK, but heavier congestion on motorways in and out of the cities.
“Leaving later in the day is recommended, as roads will begin to clog up during the early afternoon.”
National Highways, which manages England’s motorways and major A-roads, said it will remove more than 900 miles of roadworks ahead of the festive getaway.
That will result in nearly 98 pc of its network being clear of cones from 6am on Tuesday until January 4, the first working day of 2022.
