N※N

UK Christmas-Traffic Forecast Predicts Record-Setting 15.8 Million Journeys

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. edicts-record-setting-15-8-million-journeys.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 8:15 GMT by The Irish News
      Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Christmas‑getaway traffic in the UK is set to hit record levels, warns transport officials

The latest traffic forecast from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) predicts that the holiday season will see the biggest spike in road journeys ever recorded. The “Holiday Traffic Forecast 2023‑24”, released in November, projects a 6‑per‑cent increase over last year, with an estimated 3.4 million extra trips as families head to seaside resorts, ski resorts, and urban destinations across Britain. That translates into roughly 15.8 million journeys in the first two weeks of December, a figure that exceeds the 15.4 million trips recorded during the same period in 2022.

The Irish News article highlights the key drivers behind this surge. “The trend is driven by an unprecedented number of holidaymakers who are traveling during the Christmas period, coupled with the growing popularity of ‘stay‑cations’ in scenic coastal towns and national parks,” the piece states. It quotes the Association of Highway Authorities (AHA) Chief Executive, who notes that “the increase in road traffic is partly a result of an ongoing rise in motorised travel and the growth of holiday accommodations that are more spread out and not linked to a single transport hub.”

Why the numbers are so high

Three main factors feed into the forecast:

1. Seasonal demand – The article explains that the period from mid‑December to early January is the busiest on UK roads. This year, the DfT predicts that around 45 % of all holiday trips will be made by private vehicles, up from 42 % in 2022.

2. Increased capacity – With a larger number of holiday homes and accommodation options spread across the countryside, travellers are opting for road trips over public transport. The AHA report also points out that “more people are driving to avoid the crowded trains and to save on travel costs.”

3. Weather‑related delays – The Irish News article notes that early‑season snow and ice are expected to cause frequent congestion on major motorways such as the M1, M4, M25, and M6. The DfT’s forecast includes an extra 15 % of journeys delayed by 30 minutes or more, largely due to poor road conditions and increased speed‑limit enforcement.

Roadworks and planned closures

The article includes a link to the UK government’s “Holiday Traffic Forecast” page, which lists a number of planned roadworks and maintenance activities scheduled during the holiday period. These include:

• A 72‑hour closure on the M4 at junction 12 to allow for the installation of a new traffic management system.
• Minor lane‑reduction works on the A1 near Doncaster, expected to affect traffic from 18 December to 1 January.
• A temporary diversion of the A20 in Kent to accommodate maintenance on the old route.

Travelers are advised to check the “National Speed Limit” website and to use traffic‑information apps such as Google Maps or TomTom for real‑time updates.

Practical advice for motorists

The article emphasises that the increased traffic volume will mean more congestion, longer journey times, and higher chances of minor incidents. To mitigate these risks, the DfT recommends:

1. Plan early – Use the “Traffic Explorer” tool to identify the least congested routes. For example, an alternative route from Birmingham to Blackpool via the M6 and M56 can shave up to 30 minutes from the journey.

2. Leave early – Starting the trip before the peak holiday rush (e.g., before 7 am) reduces the risk of getting stuck in the “black‑box” of motorway congestion that typically peaks between 7‑9 am on weekdays.

3. Check weather alerts – Snow forecasts for northern England and Scotland can disrupt travel on the M6 and M74. The article links to the Met Office’s “Snow and Ice” alerts for real‑time information.

4. Mind the “Speed‑Limit Enforcers” – With the increased number of speed cameras deployed along the M25 and M6, the article warns that motorists should reduce speed in high‑congestion zones, especially when the roads are slick.

5. Use public transport where possible – If the destination is close to a rail or coach service, the article suggests opting for public transport. The DfT’s forecast acknowledges that rail and coach services will experience a 9‑per‑cent rise in passengers, which can relieve pressure on the roads.

What happens if you’re caught in traffic?

The Irish News piece includes a link to the “Road Traffic and Safety” page on the DfT website, which explains that motorists caught in extreme congestion have the right to “take an unplanned detour if they are unable to maintain a safe distance.” The article cites a recent case in which a driver was advised to exit the motorway at the next exit and continue by car‑pool lane, a manoeuvre that is now legally permissible under the “Emergency Traffic Management” provisions.

Bottom line

The headline takeaway from the article is that the UK’s roads will be at their busiest on record during the upcoming Christmas holiday. With an extra 3.4 million private‑vehicle journeys predicted, motorists need to plan ahead, monitor weather and traffic alerts, and be prepared to adjust their routes on the fly. The DfT and the AHA’s joint forecast underscores the importance of road safety measures, including strict enforcement of speed limits and adherence to safe driving practices during adverse weather conditions. The Irish News encourages all holidaymakers to share their experiences on social media, to help others make better-informed travel decisions.

In the words of the article’s author: “If you plan to travel during this busy period, the best preparation you can make is to treat every journey as a priority trip and to follow the official guidelines closely.” By staying informed and flexible, travelers can navigate the holiday traffic tide without compromising safety or comfort.