Motorists have been warned to brace for travel chaos after research revealed drivers will experience the heaviest traffic next week as the Christmas period kicks off.
Research suggests that Friday, December 19, will be the busiest day to travel, with three in 10 drivers making their holiday journeys on the last day of the week.
The morning rush and afternoon hours will prove particularly challenging for those behind the wheel, with roughly seven per cent of Christmas travellers planning to depart between 6am and 9am, and another seven per cent setting off from 9am until midday.
The busiest window falls between noon and 4pm, when eight per cent expect to be driving. Experts have warned divers seeking quieter roads that they should consider evening departures, as only three per cent plan to travel after 6pm.
Younger drivers aged between 25 and 34 were found to be most likely to travel on Friday, with 43 per cent of this group choosing that date.
Analysis by iSelect identified the M25 as Britain’s most frustrating motorway, with three separate stretches dominating the top positions for congestion.
The Buckinghamshire section sees approximately 205,344 vehicles daily and recorded 22 per cent negative sentiment from drivers, earning the highest frustration score of 91.16 out of 100.
London’s Hillingdon stretch follows closely behind, handling even more traffic at 210,436 daily vehicles while matching the same proportion of disgruntled motorists.
Three out of 10 drivers plan to travel for Christmas on Friday, December 19
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PA/GETTY
Northern England presents its own set of headaches for festive travellers, with the M60 around Salford ranking fourth nationally for congestion woes.
This Greater Manchester orbital route handles around 192,000 vehicles daily, with 15 per cent of drivers expressing frustration about conditions.
The M6 features prominently among the UK’s most troublesome roads, appearing three times in the top 10, including Warrington, Walsall and Sandwell.
The M62 through Yorkshire and the North West, along with Scotland’s M8 near Glasgow, also feature among routes likely to test patience during the holiday rush.
The M6 section in Warrington is expected to experience significant delays on Friday
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PATom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, emphasised that vehicle preparation becomes crucial when so many motorists take to the roads simultaneously.
“For those hitting the roads this Christmas, driving can be particularly challenging. Unpredictable weather and increased traffic mean motorists need to be extra vigilant,” he said.
Mr Banks recommended packing essential supplies for longer trips, including water, warm clothing, blankets, a torch and high-energy snacks.
“Checking your car’s readiness for the journey not only helps prevent breakdowns but also provides peace of mind when navigating busy roads,” the expert advised.
The Buckinghamshire section of the M25 is expected to see approximately 205,344 vehicles on Friday
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PATo help drivers, Go.Compare has compiled a pre-journey checklist to help motorists avoid festive breakdowns.
Drivers should verify that screen wash, brake fluid, oil levels and all bulbs are functioning properly before departure. Confirming breakdown cover remains valid is equally important should problems arise.
Tyre condition deserves particular attention, with the legal minimum tread depth standing at 1.6mm for cars, although experts recommend at least 3mm for wet weather conditions.
Drivers wanting real-time updates without stopping to check their mobile phones should switch on radio traffic alerts.
