M4, M5, and M25 Brace for Record-Breaking Christmas Traffic: Travelers Urged to Plan Ahead as 24.4 Million Cars Hit the Roads

Published on December 19, 2025

As Christmas approaches, the UK’s major roads, particularly the M4 and M5, are gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest holiday getaway on record. According to the Automobile Association (AA), approximately 24.4 million cars are forecast to travel on the country’s roads today, marking a dramatic increase in traffic volume compared to previous years. With the trend of rising travel numbers since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, 2024 is set to witness unprecedented congestion, especially around key motorways, retail hotspots, and motorway interchanges.

For tourists and business travelers planning trips in the UK during this busy period, the warning issued for routes like the M4, M5, and M25 comes as a reminder to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays. Whether you’re heading to family gatherings or taking a short leisure trip, understanding the expected congestion and following smart travel strategies is essential for making the most of the festive season.

M4, M5, and M25 Face Record Traffic on Friday, Warns AA

On Friday, December 19, the AA has issued an alert about significant congestion on key routes like the M4 and M5. These highways, along with the M25, are expected to face a massive increase in traffic volume as millions of motorists take to the roads to kick off their holiday getaways.

The AA’s survey of over 10,000 members revealed that 65% of respondents plan to embark on journeys of up to 50 miles today, typically to visit family or friends. Another 5% intend to travel between 51-100 miles, and 2% will exceed 100 miles. Despite the relatively short distances for most drivers, the number of cars on the road will create significant congestion, particularly near retail centers and motorway interchanges.

Congestion Hotspots:

• The M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• The M60 near the Trafford Centre, Greater Manchester.
• The M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham.
• The M25 near Heathrow Airport, west London.
• The M25 near Bluewater shopping center, Kent.
• The M4/M5 interchange near Bristol.

As many UK motorists take to the roads, it’s clear that the busiest travel day is predicted to be Friday, but congestion will continue to peak as the week progresses, with Christmas Eve seeing an estimated 4.2 million leisure trips.

Traffic Forecast for Super Saturday: A Surge in Last-Minute Shopping and Getaways

In addition to Friday’s congestion, TomTom, a location technology company, has predicted a severe traffic surge on Saturday, December 21—commonly referred to as Super Saturday. On this day, last-minute holiday shoppers and travelers heading to see family and friends are expected to contribute to significant delays in major cities.

According to TomTom’s analysis from last year, Edinburgh saw the highest levels of congestion, with journeys taking 50.1% longer than normal. London ranked second, with traffic in the early evening reaching 40 minutes for a 10 km (6.2 miles) journey. Other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield also experienced high levels of congestion.

TomTom’s traffic expert advises travelers to expect the busiest periods to occur between midday and early evening, particularly when shopping trips, social visits, and Christmas getaways overlap.

Record-Breaking Leisure Trips Expected This Christmas Period

RAC’s forecast shows a surge in leisure travel during the holiday period, with 37.5 million leisure trips planned between Wednesday and Christmas Eve. This represents the highest number of leisure trips recorded since the company began tracking this data in 2013.

Additionally, Christmas Eve is expected to be the busiest day for road travel, with 4.2 million journeys predicted. The RAC highlights the combined factors of holiday visits and shopping trips as contributing to a surge in traffic that could challenge the UK’s road network.

Roadwork Suspension and Travel Tips for a Smoother Journey

In response to the expected gridlock, National Highways has announced the temporary lifting of over 90% of roadworks across the country’s motorways and major A roads from 6 AM on Sunday, December 22, until January 2. This measure aims to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible over the busy festive period, although some essential works will still continue.

For motorists, the government-owned National Highways agency recommends staying informed about any essential roadwork or closures through official travel channels. The organization also encourages drivers to be cautious, especially during periods of peak travel between noon and 4 PM on key days.

Travel Tips to Navigate the Holiday Traffic

1. Leave Early: On the busiest travel days, aim to leave early in the morning to avoid peak traffic times. If traveling on Friday or Saturday, try to depart before 9 AM to bypass the heaviest congestion.
2. Check Traffic Updates: Use live traffic apps, such as Google Maps, TomTom, or Waze, to get real-time updates on traffic conditions and find alternate routes if necessary.
3. Allow Extra Time: Ensure you have extra time in your schedule, as road conditions can change rapidly with increased congestion. Expect delays, especially around high-traffic areas like M25, M60, and M5/M6 interchange.
4. Plan for Parking: Popular shopping centers and family destinations are likely to have limited parking, so consider arriving earlier or planning your parking in advance.
5. Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid travel between noon and 4 PM on peak days, such as Super Saturday (December 21), when traffic congestion will be at its highest.
6. Rest and Stay Safe: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks and ensure your vehicle is prepared for the journey. Stay alert and avoid rush-hour fatigue by breaking up long drives into manageable segments.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for the Busiest Christmas Travel Ever

As the UK faces the busiest Christmas travel period on record, both tourists and business travelers must be prepared for increased congestion on roads, particularly on the M4, M5, and M25. While many will be visiting family, others will head out for last-minute shopping or short getaways. Regardless of the reason, the surge in traffic will create bottlenecks at major interchanges and retail hubs across the country.

By staying informed, planning your journey ahead, and adjusting your travel times, you can navigate the busiest Christmas getaway with fewer hassles, ensuring a smoother journey to your holiday destination.

Key Points for Travelers:

• 24.4 million cars expected on the roads today (December 19), with congestion peaking around retail hotspots and motorway interchanges.
• M4, M5, and M25 face heavy congestion, particularly near Bristol, London, and Manchester.
• Christmas Eve and Super Saturday (December 21) expected to see the busiest travel days of the holiday season.
• 37.5 million leisure trips forecasted between Wednesday and Christmas Eve.
• National Highways to lift 90% of roadworks to ease traffic flow during the holiday period.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated