Big traffic jams expected in the West Midlands today - find out which motorways to avoid as the big Christmas rush begins early

Traffic in the run-up to Christmas is expected to peak today (Friday) with about 24.4 million cars expected on the UK's roads. 

The AA, which produced the estimate, predicted this year will see the busiest Christmas getaway on record, continuing an upwards trend since the relaxing of coronavirus travel restrictions. 

A survey of more than 10,000 AA members suggested most drivers will stay local. 

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they will embark on a car journey of up to 50 miles. 

Only five per cent said they would drive for 51-100 miles, and two per cent plan to exceed 100 miles. 

The poll also suggested that visiting family and friends is the main reason for car travel in the festive period, followed by shopping and work. 

Where will the congestion be?

The AA said the results indicate there will likely be congestion around retail hotspots and motorway interchanges. 

One of the worst affected stretches will be the M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham, which also sits relatively close to the junction to the M54 which takes motorists into Shropshire.

It is always busy, but with so many people travelling south it is expected to see long delays. The issues are added to by motorists heading to the Gallagher Retail Park and Ikea, which sits just off the M4.

For those travelling south from the Midlands, the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol is also expected to be snarled up – and if you are travelling north expect delays on the M60 near the Trafford Centre, Greater Manchester.

For those travelling further afield, the AA warns of jams on the M25 near Heathrow and also around the Bluewater shopping centre as well as the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Meanwhile, mapping and location technology company TomTom issued a warning over "severe" traffic on Saturday, when many people will embark on last-minute shopping trips or getaways to loved ones. 

Its analysis of the Saturday before Christmas Day last year found Edinburgh was the UK's most congested city, with journeys taking an average of 50.1 per cent longer compared with free-flowing traffic. Birmingham was named as the fourth most congested behind London and Manchester.

TomTom traffic expert Andy Marchant said: "This year's super Saturday is set to spark a surge in traffic across the UK, as last-minute shoppers and festive travellers hit the roads. ¶

"Last year, our data showed Edinburgh's congestion peaking at 76% around midday. 

"In London, the evening rush was particularly severe. 

"Drivers should expect the busiest periods between midday and early evening, as shopping trips, social plans and the Christmas getaway all converge. 

"Our advice is to plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey and keep an eye on real-time traffic updates to avoid the worst of the festive gridlock." 

The RAC forecast that a total of 37.5 million leisure trips by car are planned between Wednesday and Christmas Eve. That is the most in the week before Christmas Day since the company began recording the data in 2013. 

Christmas Eve is expected to be the busiest day for leisure trips over the festive period, with 4.2 million of those journeys. 

How about the airports?

UK airports are also expecting their busiest Christmas getaway in history, including Birmingham Airport, which is expecting an 11 per cent increase in passengers year-on-year, with more than half a million passing through over the festive season. 

Tenerife, Dubai and Alicante are among the top destinations for the holidays from Birmingham, with passengers jetting off for some winter sun. 

Amsterdam, Paris and Geneva are among the most popular destinations for festive city breaks and onward travel, with Krakow seeing the biggest surge in popularity compared to last Christmas with a 38 per cent uptick in passenger traffic.

Five million are set to leave the UK to travel abroad.

The airport remains on track to experience its busiest year ever for 2025/26, with the start of winter bolstering this and record passenger traffic in November. 

Al Titterington, terminal operations director of Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re delighted to be forecasting our busiest Christmas period this year with over half a million customers opting to fly from Birmingham.

“This milestone follows a record-breaking year of growth here at BHX with nine record months for passenger traffic and the announcement of our biggest ever capital investment plan totalling £76.5 million.

“As part of this significant investment into our airport, passengers may notice more hoarding than usual when travelling through, but customers can be assured that there is no impact on operations, and these works are essential for the continuous improvement of our facilities."

“We encourage all our passengers to review our top tips and guidance for travel over the festive period.”

To bring a little seasonal cheer for the holidays, the airport will be hosting festive activities for passengers travelling through over Christmas including arts and crafts workshops, carol services and interactive displays.