Christmas Eve is still expected to be the busiest day with 4.1 million separate journeys taken but many motorists are planning on starting their break earlier as schools in many areas break up today (Friday 18 December). As a result the RAC says 3.3 million journeys will take place on Saturday 19 December and 3.5 million on Sunday 20 December.

According to the RAC Traffic Watch study, which asked more than 1,700 motorists about their Christmas getaway driving plans, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are not far behind with some 7.1 million Christmas journeys taking place across both days.

RAC Traffic Watch spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Around 11 million separate Christmas-related car journeys will take place between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and this is consistent with previous years – but motorists may benefit from traffic flows that are more evenly spaced out this year, perhaps as a result of schools breaking up a full week before Christmas Day.”

He added: “And, the other bit of good news is the reduced cost of fuel this festive season will make travelling to see family and friends substantially cheaper than last year. Coupled with low inflation, families should feel less of a squeeze on their finances this year – although we are urging retailers to cut the price of diesel to reflect falling wholesale prices.”

The RAC also warned about the unprecedented number of roadworks currently taking place on major roads and the unusually high temperatures right across the UK, which will likely bring a lot of rain, especially in northern and western parts of the country.