Journeys over Christmas could take four times longer than usual, drivers warned by Inrix

Traffic information supplier Inrix has predicted that 4pm on Friday (December 16) will be the busiest time on the roads in the lead up to the festive period, based on analysis of traffic levels from the last time Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, in 2011.

Inrix says this is because of a combination of Christmas shoppers, people leaving work early or travelling to spend the festive period with relatives.

The company claims a planned strike on the Southern network on Friday and Tuesday (December 20) could also lead to a higher number of vehicles taking to the roads in the south of England.

The worst affected roads are expected to be major motorways like the M25, where the average speed in both directions on a 32-mile stretch between J7 (Reigate) and J16 (M40 interchange) could fall to as low as 11mph, according to the firm.

It says this will extend journeys that typically take 35 minutes, to almost three hours.

December 27 – which is a bank holiday this year – has been identified by Inrix as a day when roads could be jammed over the festive period, with the volume of traffic rising due to “high street sales”, people visiting family and friends or returning home from the Christmas break.

Highways England announced it will “complete or lift” 448 miles of roadworks by 6am on December 23 in a bid to ease Christmas traffic.

Inrix traffic analyst Greg Hallsworth said: “There will be significant disruptions on the road due to the regular post-work peak, the start of the school holidays and people heading home for Christmas, as well as the number of delivery vehicles making their drop offs, as e-commerce in the UK reaches a record high.

“Drivers taking to the roads this Christmas would be well advised to take alternative routes or avoid driving during peak times altogether.

“By checking live traffic data, and keeping an eye on weather conditions, drivers can ensure they reach their destinations safely and in good time.”