The build-up to Christmas could see the worst motorway traffic the UK has seen in six years as anxious Brits avoid public transport, experts fear.
With Boris Johnson's confirmation that no restrictions would be put in place before Saturday, millions of people are expected to meet with family members.
But with the Omicron variant ripping through the country, this could lead to a snarl-up on the nation's motorways.
The AA has predicted that 18 millions cars could be on the road on Thursday and Friday - the highest since 2015.
It follows months of people making fewer journeys for fear of catching and spreading Covid-19.
The AA's head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, told The Sun : "The influence of Omicron is now being felt, so our breakdown stats have stayed reasonably low as people decided to cancel events and not travel.
"That said, Thursday and Friday could be busy as people take the decision to see their family others for a shorter period - two to three days as opposed to a week or so."
The concern has been echoed by other analysts, with the RAC also expecting a lot of traffic in the next couple of days.
RAC breakdown spokesperson 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."
Inrix analyst Bob Pishue has suggested leaving later in the day as roads will begin to clog up during the early afternoons.
He 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."
