Festive Gridlock: Taxi drivers brace and prepare for the Christmas getaway traffic

Taxi drivers face a challenging festive period as nearly 29.3 million car journeys are expected in the run-up to Christmas Day, the highest number recorded since 2013. According to RAC and INRIX data, this weekend alone will see 14.3 million trips, with traffic congestion expected to peak on several key dates.

The busiest travel days are set to be Christmas Eve, with 3.8 million trips anticipated, followed by ‘Snarl-up Saturday’ on 21 December, when 3.7 million motorists hit the roads. Even midweek travel is impacted, with 5.7 million journeys expected this Wednesday and Thursday.

Lengthy delays are forecast across major routes. On Friday evening, significant queues of over 45 minutes are predicted on the M3 and M25 as drivers leave the capital. The northbound M53 from Chester to Liverpool will also see heavy traffic as commuters mix with getaway drivers. Peak travel hours across both Friday and Saturday are expected to be 1pm to 7pm.

Railway disruptions will further complicate travel. Engineering works at Liverpool Street, Paddington, and St Pancras over Christmas, combined with signalling upgrades in Crewe and Cambridge, mean roads around these areas could see additional congestion.

Post-Christmas, the chaos continues, with 4.4 million trips planned for Boxing Day and 3.8 million more on 27 December. The heaviest traffic is likely between 10am and 3pm on these days.

A survey conducted by the RAC highlights why many prefer driving over public transport. More than half cited flexibility and convenience, while a third said public transport wasn’t practical for group travel or carrying luggage. Cost also plays a role, with 31% of drivers believing car travel is cheaper.

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