London and Beyond: Brace for the UK’s Heaviest Post-Christmas Traffic – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 28, 2025

As Christmas festivities wind down, millions of Britons are preparing for a post-holiday travel rush, with nearly 20 million cars expected to hit the roads on Boxing Day alone. The worst days for travel, according to an AA survey, will be December 27, 29, and 30, when traffic jams will peak. However, there is some relief on New Year’s Day, which will see far fewer drivers, offering a brief respite before the return to normality. For tourists planning to travel within the UK or visiting over the festive season, it’s crucial to be prepared for these busy travel days.

Post-Christmas Traffic Surge in the UK

Boxing Day typically marks the beginning of the post-Christmas travel period, with families heading out to visit relatives or take advantage of the seasonal sales. This year, the AA predicts that close to 20 million cars will be on the roads. However, the real travel chaos is expected to occur just after Boxing Day, particularly on December 27, 29, and 30. These dates are set to bring some of the heaviest traffic of the holiday season.

Travelers should be aware that the New Year period will offer a brief reprieve, as only 53% of drivers, or about 18 million cars, are expected to travel on New Year’s Day. This makes it one of the quietest days on the roads during the entire festive period.

For those traveling on December 27, 29, and 30, congestion is expected to peak, with motorway and main road routes particularly affected. Although traffic volumes are lower than on Boxing Day, these are still among the busiest days for long-distance and local travel.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Avoid traveling on peak days such as December 27, 29, and 30.
• If you must travel on these busy days, plan to leave early in the morning or later in the evening.
• New Year’s Day offers a quieter period, perfect for avoiding heavy traffic.

The Return-to-Work and School Surge

Once the New Year celebrations are over, the post-holiday traffic surge picks up again on January 2, with the first Monday of the year, January 5, expected to be another peak day as workers and students return to work and school. This day will see nearly 22 million cars on the roads, making it one of the busiest days for travel of the year.

Despite the sharp rebound in traffic on January 2, which will see many commuters making their way back to cities, most of the festive season travel tends to be short and local. Approximately 50% of trips remain under 50 miles, with this figure rising to 59% by January 5.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Prepare for heavy traffic on January 5 as the work and school routine resumes.
• Keep travel distances in mind—while most trips are short, long-distance journeys are less common during this time.
• Expect heavy congestion at key travel hubs like train stations, airports, and bus terminals.

The Risk of Driving Under the Influence

While the winter weather and high traffic volumes are a concern for many drivers, alcohol consumption during the festive season poses an additional risk. Drivers are warned that alcohol can remain in the system well into the next day, and anyone caught driving over the limit risks severe penalties, including the potential loss of their driving license.

Authorities strongly recommend that those celebrating on New Year’s Eve consider the risks of driving the next day. Even if it’s the morning after, there could still be alcohol in the bloodstream. The AA advises using a breathalyzer to check if you’re under the limit before getting behind the wheel or simply opting for public transport or a taxi if in doubt.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Plan ahead and avoid driving after consuming alcohol during New Year celebrations.
• Consider taking public transportation or a taxi if you’re planning to celebrate.
• If you must drive, use a breathalyzer test to confirm your sobriety the next morning.

Road Closures and Winter Weather

As if high traffic volumes weren’t enough, some roads are undergoing maintenance and upgrades, adding to travel delays. For instance, the M27 motorway is scheduled to be closed between Junctions 9 and 11 until the early hours of January 4 due to upgrade works. Diversions are in place, but delays are expected, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Moreover, drivers are reminded that winter weather conditions can further complicate travel, with icy roads and fog expected to affect visibility and road conditions. The AA emphasizes the importance of preparing your car for winter conditions, such as checking the battery, topping up fluids, and ensuring tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Check traffic updates and road closures before your journey, particularly around the M27.
• If driving in winter conditions, ensure your car is winter-ready with properly inflated tyres and a full tank of fuel.
• Pack winter essentials like a blanket, warm clothing, ice scraper, and phone charger in case of delays.

What the Survey Found: Top Reasons for Travel

The AA survey revealed that visiting family and friends remains the top reason for travel during the holiday period, cited by 60-63% of drivers. Shopping for sales, returns, and New Year essentials is also a key driver for travel, followed by work-related journeys, which account for 27-29% of trips.

This trend highlights the busy nature of both family visits and retail activity during the festive season. For tourists, understanding these patterns can help with planning and avoiding peak times, particularly when shopping or visiting relatives.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• If you’re visiting family or shopping, plan to travel at quieter times to avoid peak congestion.
• Consider online shopping to reduce the need for time-consuming trips to crowded shopping centers.

Final Thoughts for Holidaymakers

The post-Christmas period in the UK is known for its traffic chaos, and 2026 promises to be no different. For tourists and business travellers alike, avoiding peak travel days and being prepared for winter driving conditions can make all the difference. With traffic surging on December 27, 29, and 30, and a sharp rebound on January 2 and 5, it’s essential to plan your journey in advance.

Whether you’re travelling to visit family or simply making a last-minute shopping trip, knowing when to avoid the roads and how to stay safe will help ensure your holiday travel is as stress-free as possible.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated