Traffic jam warning for 'busiest Christmas getaway'

Traffic alerts have been issued for motorways including the M4 and M5

Drivers are being told to prepare for "one of the busiest Christmas getaways in years".

Heavy traffic is expected across the West of England on roads including the M4, the M5, A38 and A303, particularly later and on the Saturday and Monday before Christmas, motoring organisations have warned.

Drivers were advised to avoid travelling between 11:00 and 18:00 GMT on those days. Great Western Railway has also warned train passengers that its services are likely to be very crowded.

Friday is predicted to be the busiest day on the roads during the festive period, with an estimated 23.7 million drivers planning a trip, the AA said.

That is more than the busiest Christmas getaway day of any year since the AA began recording data in 2010.

Pinch points are expected at the M4/M5 Almondsbury interchange and on the A38 in Somerset.

The RAC's breakdown cover expert, Rod Dennis, said he was dubbing 21 December "snarl-up Saturday".

'Last-minute trips'

On Monday, jams are anticipated on the A303 around Stonehenge in Wiltshire, and on the M5 between Bristol and Taunton.

"Our research shows it could be one of the busiest Christmas getaways that we've seen in years," Mr Dennis said.

He added that Christmas Eve would also be hectic, with "lots of people making last-minute trips to see friends and family".

To avoid the worst of the jams, drivers were advised to tune into local radio stations and refer to traffic apps before setting out.

Great Western Railway has issued warnings advising people not to travel by train to Bath on Sunday.

More optimistically, the Met Office has said conditions for drivers will not be too bad over Christmas, with temperatures well above freezing, although wind and rain is expected.

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day are expected to be the quietest days on the roads.