Motoring

AA warning over Christmas traffic

ALMOST 17 million cars are expected to hit UK roads in the coming days.

The AA is predicting high levels of traffic over the Christmas period, with millions setting off for Christmas on December 23 and Christmas Eve, causing lengthy jams at traffic hotspots.

A survey of more than 12,000 drivers revealed which days could freeze plans over the festive period with bumper-tobumper traffic.

Planned Network Rail strikes may add to the getaway mayhem as staff plan to walkout on Christmas Eve.

Almost a quarter plan to travel for work on December 15 and 16, after which businessbased travel drops off until the New Year.

A fifth (20%) said they are driving to do their Christmas shopping on Saturday, December 17, with one in 10 (12%) opting to use Christmas Eve as their final shopping day.

This year, the main days for celebrating with friends and family will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the survey said.

While the big day will be one of the quietest days on the road, of those driving almost two in five (39%) will be meeting up with their loved ones.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “While December 23 and Christmas Eve look set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail service staff may lead to increased levels of cars on our roads.

“If you do plan to use the rail network, keep updated by checking train company websites to prevent your trip home for Christmas from hitting the buffers.”

He added: “New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.

“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”

Cold spell sees record breakdowns

BREAKDOWN recovery firm the RAC had its busiest day on record during the recent cold snap.

The firm revealed that on December 12 around 12,000 drivers needed help in freezing conditions.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said the record number of calls was down to a series of factors which combined to create a ‘worst-ever winter breakdown

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cocktail’.

“(December 12) was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day.

“Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t see as many people breaking down.

“We believe two key ingredients have combined to create the worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail – a sustained period of cold weather with an absence of widespread snow that would otherwise keep people indoors, and a big rise in the number of drivers who can’t afford to maintain their vehicles as we well as they’d like to due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.”

He said the remainder of the week was also busy, with rail strikes likely forcing more people onto the roads.

With the harsh winter weather continuing to cause havoc across the UK, the RAC is warning drivers to be prepared for the weeks ahead leading up to Christmas.

Dennis added: “Hazardous road conditions are continuing. Those who have to use more rural roads that haven’t been gritted will need to exercise great care, delay, or even abandon their plans.

“Before setting out, allow some more time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle thoroughly.

“We urge drivers who have to make essential journeys to leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.

“Anyone still wondering if it’s worthwhile carrying an emergency winter pack with them should imagine how it must have felt for drivers stuck on the M25 for eight hours recently.

“Carrying warm clothing layers – including a waterproof jacket – as well as a blanket, sturdy footwear, a flask of hot drink and power bank to keep phones charged are all extremely important.”

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