‘Frantic Friday’ as millions take to the roads

DRIVERS EXPECTING a quick getaway on December 21 will have to embrace the notion that it will be a “Frantic Friday” instead.

New research suggests it will be the busiest day on the roads this festive season, with almost 19m drivers embarking on trips.

The annual getaway will combine with the last-minute shopping frenzy as 59 per cent of drivers take to main roads or motorways on the last Friday before Christmas, an AA poll of 20,000 motorists indicated.

The breakdown recovery firm warned of queues on major routes and urged people to check traffic reports before setting off.

Saturday, December 23 should also be very busy with more than 53 per cent of respondents expecting to head out – with more than half catching up on shopping and other day trips.

Christmas Eve, falling on the Monday, however, should be quieter than normal with many people finishing work on the previous Friday.

AA patrol of the year George Flinton said: “We want drivers to keep their festive spirit alive when they are driving this Christmas and the best way to ensure hassle-free journeys is to plan them well.

“Christmas falling on a Tuesday may help to spread festive journeys out – but it also means more days of traffic as the getaway from work on Friday is followed by last-minute shopping traffic on Saturday and visits to friends and family on Sunday.

“It’s likely to be very busy at peak times on the major routes. Check the traffic reports before you go and try to travel when it’s quieter if you can or consider an alternative route to beat the jams.”