20th December 2023

Christmas Holidays: Travel Update

Christmas traffic

During the Christmas period, an increased number of trips are expected on our roads. This surge in travel can potentially result in extended waiting times for breakdown services. As more individuals hit the roads to visit family and friends or embark on holiday getaways, the likelihood of encountering vehicle issues also increases.

Consequently, the demand for breakdown assistance escalates, leading to potential delays in response times. To help mitigate any potential inconvenience caused by longer breakdown times, we encourage you to plan ahead whenever possible. Regular maintenance checks on your vehicles can go a long way in preventing unexpected breakdowns during this busy time of year.

Also, keep warm clothing with you in the vehicle regardless of how short your journey is. Even if you don’t wear it whilst driving, you may need it in the event of a breakdown or accident if you are stuck roadside. It’s also useful to keep a few snacks in the car, blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, as well as water.

According to a study conducted by the RAC and INRIX, approximately 21 million festive getaways are being planned by drivers from now until Christmas Eve. The study further reveals that 60% of these trips will be concentrated in the last three days leading up to the 25th of December. This data was collected from a sample size of 2,100 drivers.

During the weekend before Christmas, the period between 12pm and 2pm is expected to be the busiest time for travel on most major routes.

To minimise traffic congestion, avoid travelling during lunchtime. It is recommended to travel before 11am or after 6pm on both December 22nd and 23rd. These times are considered ideal for reaching your destination with fewer delays, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Also, check websites such as Traffic England, Traffic Wales, Traffic Scotland and Traffic Northern Ireland for updates and incidents that may affect your route.

To ensure that your vehicle’s battery remains charged during the Christmas and New Year break, it is recommended to start the vehicle for 10-15 minutes at least once if you do not plan on using it. This will help recharge the battery and prevent any potential breakdowns or the need for recovery assistance when demand is typically high in the first few days after the break.