Traffic CHAOS today: Millions to face HUGE delays on roads in big Christmas getaway

The CHRISTMAS getaway is under way with an estimated 1.3 million drivers taking to the roads today in a bid to avoid "Frantic Friday".

By Douglas Patient /

Motorists are expected to face huge delays GETTY

CONGESTION: Motorists are expected to face huge delays on roads today and tomorrow

Motorists travelling to spend the festive period with loved ones have been warned to expect long delays.

The worst jams today will be on the M6 southbound between Merseyside and Staffordshire.

Hold-ups are predicted to reach four hours and 21 minutes, according to traffic information supplier Inrix.

Drivers are warned to be wary of congestion GETTY

TRAFFIC: Drivers are warned to be wary of congestion today and tomorrow

“We strongly urge drivers planning long journeys to avoid this day”

Rod Dennis

Other hotspots include the M3 westbound in Surrey and the M74 southbound from Glasgow to Hamilton.

Journeys are set to be even slower tomorrow as the last of the year's commuter traffic clashes with the Christmas getaway, amid a rail strike.

The RAC expects traffic to peak between 4pm and 8pm on Friday.

Think the traffic was bad this morning? Be thankful you don't live in New Delhi

 
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eavy Traffic jam at NH8 near Shankar Vihar due to rain, on July 8th, 2016. Hindustan Times via Getty Images
eavy Traffic jam at NH8 near Shankar Vihar due to rain, on July 8th, 2016.

    Inrix chief economist Dr Graham Cookson said: "Drivers would be well advised to take alternative routes or avoid driving during peak times altogether."

    RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis added: "Things tend to get worse on the last working day before Christmas, with 'Frantic Friday' this year falling on the 22 December.

    "We strongly urge drivers planning long journeys to avoid this day if they possibly can."

    The RAC estimates that 11.5 million leisure trips will be made by car between December 17 and Christmas Eve.

    But this will be eclipsed by the 17.5 million between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

    People are expected to be taking advantage of post-Christmas sales at shops.

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    The organisation has filed fo an appeal to try and block the construction CEN / Alliance For Nature
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      Almost 400 miles of roadworks will be lifted by Highways England to ease journeys.

      The "roadworks embargo" will be in place on motorways and major A roads from 6am on Friday until January 2.

      A strike by rail workers on Virgin Trains tomorrow will see a reduced timetable in operation, which could force more people to travel on already congested roads.

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