The AA has issued a rare amber traffic warning for drivers as motorists take to the roads for a Christmas getaway.
Millions of Britons will take to the roads today with backlogs of several hours building up on some of the busiest roads.
They also said 16.1 million took to the roads on Friday.
Christmas traffic chaos: AA issues rare amber driving warning as millions of Brits take to roads
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AA president Edmund King said: “Our five-star patrols will be supporting our members right across the holidays, but it’s still very important to check your vehicle before you set off.
“Tyres (including the spare, if you have one), fuel, EV range, oil levels, coolant and screen wash checks should be made as a minimum.
“Likewise keeping water, high protein food or chocolate, warm clothes, coats and a hi-viz jacket will help keep you going should the worst happen.
“While Saturday 23 December looks set to be the busiest travelling day, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.
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M25 traffic
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“You can also plan your journey, including breaks, in advance using the AA Route Planner.
“If you do plan to use the rail network, keep updated by checking train company websites and radio travel alerts.
“Our Which? recommended expert patrols will be working throughout the holidays to help fix cars that suffer, while assisting drivers, regardless of their insurer, should they be involved in a crash.
“As well as providing up-to-the-minute traffic information, our free app allows people to book and track a patrol, a bit like the Santa Tracker children use on Christmas Eve.
AA van
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“Using the free what3words app can help to pinpoint your exact location which can help our patrols to get to you faster – useful if you need to get the Christmas meal home in a rush.
“New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.
“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after.
“So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”
More than a fifth of drivers (23 per cent) say they will use their car for Christmas shopping on Saturday 23 December.
However, Christmas Eve will in fact be the busiest day for shopping with the AA predicting three in 10 (30 per cent) of driers will use their car to go Christmas shopping.
High streets, markets, retail outlets and shopping centres will be glad to see the extra footfall as customers look for a final festive shopping spree ahead of December 25.
Commuter traffic is expected to remain low after Christmas until the New Year when Tuesday 2 January will see traffic levels start to return to normal.
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PAAs many as 14 million shorter car journeys will also be made on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the AA has warned.
Christmas traffic will also be made worse due to unsettled weather making many stretches of motorway slippery.
The AA has warned the M1, M4, M5, M6, M25, M60, M62 and A34 will see the heaviest traffic.
Tailbacks on the roads will also be exacerbated by rail strikes and engineering works on the rail network with travellers advised to check in advance for delays or cancellations.