Britain faces its busiest Christmas getaway on record, with 37.5 million car journeys expected to clog the nation's roads before Christmas Day, the RAC has warned.
The motoring organisation has branded the looming travel chaos "Grinch-worthy", as millions of families prepare to battle through gridlock to reach their festive destinations. Saturday 23 December stands out as the single worst day, with 4.5 million individual journeys forecast.
The peak travel window runs from Wednesday 20 December through Christmas Eve, with the worst congestion expected between 10am and 7pm on the busiest days. Major routes including the M25, M1, M4, and M6 are braced for severe delays, whilst local roads serving shopping centres and tourist hotspots will also bear the strain of last-minute Christmas preparations.
This year's figures surpass all previous Christmas forecasts, reflecting families' determination to reunite after years of pandemic-disrupted celebrations. Despite public transport alternatives, the convenience of private cars remains the overwhelming choice for families travelling with children and luggage.
The RAC is urging motorists to check tyre pressure, oil levels, and screenwash before setting off. Drivers should plan routes in advance, allow extra time, and monitor live traffic updates through navigation apps or local radio to navigate the expected delays.
The record-breaking travel volumes underscore Christmas's enduring pull for British families, with millions willing to brave crowded roads to spend the festive period with loved ones.