Despite plans for coronavirus measures to be eased over the festive period, around nine million fewer drivers could hit the roads this Christmas.
A survey by the AA has found that less than a quarter of those asked were planning to travel by car.
This would mean only 8.1 million drivers on the roads, compared to the 17 million who intended to travel last Christmas.
Five days of festive freedom
Even after a second Coronavirus lockdown, and the return to tiered restrictions for many, motorists seem likely to stay at home over Christmas. A total of 46 percent of those surveyed said they had no plans for car journeys in the Yuletide period.
However, 1 in 3 said they were still yet to make a final decision. Tiered restrictions in England will be reviewed on 16th December, meaning some may make driving plans after the announcement.
The easing of coronavirus restriction for five days – between 23rd and 27th December – could yet persuade more people to drive home for Christmas.
Keeping Christmas shopping under wraps
Of those who will be hitting the road, Christmas Eve looks set to be the busiest time of all. Nearly half of those planning to drive will do it on that day.
Coronavirus restrictions have also had an effect on shopping habits this Christmas. The AA survey found that 57 percent have modified their gift buying to avoid crowds. Another 46 percent plan to finish shopping early to avoid problems with deliveries.
The busiest shopping day of all looks set to be Saturday, 19th December. Shopping centres close to motorways could see the most traffic, as shoppers shun town-centres.
‘Oh, I got red lights all around’
To help reduce delays during the Christmas period, Highways England has plans to remove 750 miles of roadworks from major routes.
Edmund King, AA president, wants local routes to be freed up as well, stating that: “With tier restrictions in place, many may opt to stay local, so we’d like to see councils remove as many roadworks as possible to help ease the flow of local traffic.”
He added that: “On balance, despite the reduced use of public transport and the five days of festive freedom, we don’t predict a total free for all on the roads… more ‘driving home for Christmas’ than ‘road to hell’ as Chris Rea sang.”
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