The AA has issued a travel warning for UK motorists, urging careful planning and extra journey time as this Christmas period is set to be the busiest on record. According to a recent AA survey, Friday, December 19, is anticipated to see 24.4 million cars on the roads — marking it as one of the peak travel days this festive season.
With 72% of motorists planning to hit the roads that day, the AA has released an Amber Traffic Warning for the holiday period. While traffic volume is expected to dip slightly on Christmas Eve and drop further on Christmas Day, a significant number of travelers will still be on the move.
This year, many drivers are opting to stay local, with most journeys planned at less than 50 miles — a trend continuing for the second consecutive year. The preference for shorter trips is likely to cause congestion around key retail centres and motorway junctions, particularly at:
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- M6 J4-11 (M42–Wolverhampton) – West Midlands
- M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham
- M42 J3A–J8 (M40 to M6 interchanges) – West Midlands
To navigate the busy roads safely, the AA recommends motorists check live traffic updates and weather forecasts before setting off. Avoiding peak travel times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can help reduce time spent in traffic. Additionally, ensuring adequate breakdown cover is in place is crucial for a stress-free journey.
Estimated vehicle numbers during the Christmas period are as follows:
- December 19: 24,408,000
- December 20: 23,730,000
- December 21: 22,374,000
- December 22: 24,069,000
- December 23: 24,069,000
- December 24: 22,713,000
- December 25: 18,306,000
Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, advises, “With over 24 million cars forecast on the roads on Friday, December 19, it’s time to expect heavy traffic. Our advice is straightforward: plan ahead, check your route, and allow extra time. The AA Route Planner can help you avoid jams.”
Jones continues, “Drivers will be out enjoying festive activities—from pantomimes and Christmas markets to family visits and walks. Patience will be essential with so many vehicles sharing the roads. Be sure to pack your essentials, keep your fuel tank or EV charge topped up, and don’t let congestion ruin your festive spirit.”
He also recommends, “If you’re leaving your car parked during the holidays, start it every few days to keep it in good working order for the new year.”
Though Christmas Day is typically the quietest for car breakdowns, AA patrols will remain active nationwide to assist motorists and keep traffic flowing smoothly. In 2024, the AA provided assistance to approximately 2,400 members on Christmas Day.
This data comes from a poll conducted by Yonder, which gathered 10,024 responses from AA members between November 10 and 19, 2025.