Motorists are being warned to prepare for unprecedented Christmas traffic this year, with Friday, December 20 set to be the busiest getaway day on record.
The AA has forecast that 23.7 million drivers will take to Britain's roads on December 20, marking the highest number since the organisation began collecting data in 2010.
The surge in traffic comes as part of what is expected to be the most congested festive period ever recorded on UK roads.
More than half of all journeys during the Christmas period are predicted to be relatively short, covering distances of no more than 50 miles.
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The AA has issued a rare amber traffic warning for the Christmas period
PA
The AA has issued amber traffic warnings for three consecutive days during the festive period, highlighting the severity of expected congestion.
Following the peak on December 20, both Saturday, December 21, and Monday, December 23 are predicted to see 22.7 million drivers on the roads.
The Christmas Day timing may contribute to extended periods of heavy traffic, as many begin their getaway on Friday, December 20.
This will be followed by additional journeys for last-minute shopping and family visits over subsequent days.
The unprecedented traffic levels are expected to cause significant localised congestion, particularly as many drivers are making shorter journeys during the period.
Rail disruptions during the festive period are expected to add further pressure to the already congested roads.
London Liverpool Street station will face complete closure from Christmas Day until January 2, while London Paddington will also see significant disruption, with no trains calling at the station between December 27 and December 29.
The timing of Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday presents a mixed situation for travellers. While this may help spread out festive journeys across more days, the AA warns it could also result in extended periods of delays with with some combining work getaways with shopping trips and family visits.
AA Patrol of the Year Chris Wood warned: "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."
He recommended checking traffic reports before departure and considering alternative routes to avoid congestion.
Travelling during quieter periods could also help motorists avoid the worst delays with Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day expected to be the quietest days for road travel.
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Drivers are being urged to check traffic levels before setting off
PA
While Christmas Day typically sees the fewest breakdowns annually, the AA will maintain nationwide patrol coverage. Last year, the organisation assisted 2,400 members on December 25.
The AA has warned of congestion hotspots, including:- M4/M5 interchange near Bristol
- M25 near Heathrow airport, west London
- M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham
- M60 near the Trafford Centre, Manchester
- M1 near Meadowhall, Sheffield
