As the festive season approaches, Somerset drivers are being cautioned about the anticipated surge in traffic. The AA has raised an Amber Traffic Warning for Friday, December 22, expecting a staggering 16.1 million car journeys nationwide.
On Saturday, December 23, an additional 16 million journeys are expected, prompting another warning. The AA conducted a survey, involving 12,197 members, to gauge the driving habits during this festive period.
The statistics reveal that approximately 23% plan to use their cars for Christmas shopping on December 23, increasing to 30% on Christmas Eve as shoppers head to high streets and retail outlets.
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The AA also foresees an evening traffic surge on Friday, December 15, coinciding with schools breaking up for Christmas, where roads are expected to be most congested between 4 pm and 7 pm.
The period between December 18 and December 22 will witness around 25% commuting to and from work, which is expected to drop to 19% as people take advantage of flexible working and choose to work from home. Commuter traffic is predicted to remain low between this period and New Year, subsequently returning to normal on Tuesday, January 2.
As is tradition, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are anticipated to be the main days for celebrations, with an average of 14 million car journeys expected on each of these days, albeit predominantly short and local trips.
Conversely, Monday, January 1, is projected to be one of the quietest days on the roads, with only 16% intending to travel on this day.
AA President, Edmund King, emphasizes the importance of vehicle checks before embarking on journeys and advises drivers to adapt to the unsettled weather forecast and reduce speed where necessary. He also encourages the use of the AA Route Planner for journey planning and staying updated on rail travel details for those opting for the rail network.
Our highly-trained patrols will be available throughout the festive season, prepared to assist members and non-members, providing real-time traffic updates and offering aid in the event of breakdowns or accidents. Utilizing the free what3words app can help our patrols pinpoint exact locations, ensuring prompt assistance, a particularly valuable resource during urgent situations like transporting Christmas meals.
New Year’s Day is anticipated to have minimal traffic, likely a welcome respite for those recovering from New Year’s Eve celebrations. Edmund King advises drivers to remain cautious about the morning after, reminding them of the consequences of driving under the influence.