RAC warns drivers to avoid ‘Frantic Friday’ travelling

December 22 likely to see worst delays for commuters

Drivers are being urged to avoid travelling on “Frantic Friday” when the last of the year’s commuter traffic will clash with the Christmas getaway.

Leisure journeys will peak at 1.87 million on Christmas Eve, but December 22 is expected to see the worst delays as people driving home from work battle for road space with 1.25 million motorists visiting friends and family, according to RAC figures.

The worst hold-ups are expected between 4pm and 8pm.

An estimated 11.5 million leisure trips will be made by car up to Christmas Eve but this will be eclipsed by the 17.5 million between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as people take advantage of post-Christmas sales at shops.

Driving will cost more this winter as rising fuel prices mean filling up a typical family petrol or diesel car is around £3 more expensive compared with 2016.

RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Things tend to get worse on the last working day before Christmas, with ‘Frantic Friday’ this year falling on December 22.”

Almost 400 miles of roadworks will be lifted by Highways England to ease journeys. The “roadworks embargo” will be in place on motorways and major A roads from 6am on Friday until 12.01am on January 2.

But the number of cars on the road could be even higher than normal due to a series of strikes by rail workers which threatens to reduce services on a number of days throughout the festive period.

Some 260 engineering projects on the railway will also disrupt journeys.

Many of Britain’s mainline routes will be partially shut as Network Rail carries out its biggest ever Christmas investment programme.

Passengers travelling between London and Glasgow during this time are advised to go via Edinburgh, adding around an hour to journeys.

PA. Frantic indeed: Friday could be tough for motorists.