RAC issues warning to drivers over Britain’s roads this Saturday | UK | News
Motorists have been warned that UK roads are predicted to experience the busiest Christmas getaways in history, according to the RAC.
Saturday is predicted to be a particularly frantic one this weekend, dubbed “Crumpy Saturday”, as Britons travel across the country to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead, check their routes and allow extra time for trips due to the unprecedented density of holiday travel. The worst time to drive this year is between 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and Christmas Eve.
A whopping 37.5 million trips are planned to see friends and family in the week until 25 December. This year’s Christmas getaway figures are the highest since records began in 2013, with a massive 8 million increase from last year’s 29.3 million.
Christmas falls on Thursday in 2025. Figures show that drivers are keen to start early to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Approximately 18% of getaway trips, or 6.5 million trips, will be made on December 17 and 18.
The RAC predicts the main wave of Christmas car journeys will start on Friday 19 December with 3.6 million journeys. It would later rise to 4.1 million on “Snarl-up Saturday.” Another 3.5 million journeys are expected to be made on Sunday.
RAC mobile service and repair team leader Nick Mullender said: “With record numbers predicted to hit the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to become ‘Grinch-worthy’ without careful planning.
“’Grumpy Saturday’ will be particularly busy during the final weekend for journeys home and gift shopping, but midweek Christmas Eve is at the top, suggesting many drivers are booking precious annual leave and making getaway journeys at the last minute.”
Approximately 5.3 million trips will take place between December 19 and 21, but drivers are still unsure which day to choose.
“This year drivers told us that the reliability and comfort of the car, the practicality of transporting passengers, gifts and luggage, and the cost compared to taking the train or bus were the main reasons for driving rather than using any alternative means of transportation,” said Mullender.
“Seasonal issues, such as fears of public transport being delayed or canceled due to bad weather or engineering works, are also a factor in the decision.”
