Are you worried about ‘festive’ traffic?

Drivers are being warned over “bumper-to-bumper” traffic, as research by the RAC suggests the worst jams will be on the M1, M25, M5 and M6.

Congestion is predicted to reach a peak on Thursday as those embarking on an early Christmas getaway fight for road space with commuters.

Motorists are advised to delay journeys on major roads until after 8pm to avoid the worst of the traffic.

Three stretches of motorway identified as having the longest expected delays on Thursday are:

– M25 clockwise J23 Hatfield to J28 Chelmsford (delays of 56 minutes)

– M25 anticlockwise J17 Maple Cross to J12 for M3 (delays of 48 minutes)

– M5 north J11 Cheltenham to J1 West Bromwich (delays of 33 minutes)

Some 31.2 million leisure trips are expected between Tuesday and Christmas Eve.

This is the most since the RAC first asked drivers about their festive travel plans in 2013.

RAC patrol of the year Ben Aldous said: “Our figures suggest many more drivers are planning leisure trips by car in the run-up to Christmas this year, so bumper-to-bumper traffic on some motorways and major A-roads is near-guaranteed.

“While Christmas Day is still a little way off, it looks as though millions of drivers are planning to complete their getaway trips this week.

“Drivers desperate to get away for Christmas are going to find themselves competing with commuters and shoppers for road space, so we recommend keeping tuned in to the changing traffic conditions on local radio and via in-car apps.”

Highways England said 98% of England’s motorways and major A-roads will be clear of roadworks between Friday and January 2.

Are you concerned about ‘festive’ traffic this Christmas? Will you be making a long drive to visit family? Share your views in the comments below