Drivers are being told to prepare for long queues, as a record number of festive trips are predicted across the UK ahead of the big day.
With the festive season generally known to make the roads nationwide busier than usual, travel warnings have now been issued to all those making Christmas getaway trips for the holidays – with an annual study by the RAC and INRIX suggesting that 29 million journeys are planned before Christmas Day arrives.
Nearly half of these journeys (14.3 million) are set to be crammed into this coming weekend.
But, as Christmas falls mid-week this year, the figures suggest there will be an extended period of ‘pre-Christmas panic’ on the roads, with 5.7m trips taken yesterday and today alone.
The true festive getaway kicks off tomorrow (20 December), with an expected 3 million trips on this day, before the figure then jumps up to 3.7 million and 2.9 million this coming weekend (Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December) – which is the final weekend before the big day itself.
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A record 29 million people expected to drive home for Christmas this year / Credit: Geograph
By far the single busiest day, however, has to be Christmas Eve, with 3.8 million separate getaway journeys expected by car, on top of the final flurries of commuter traffic.
To make matters worse for everyone, the RAC’s research has also revealed that a further 4.7 million trips are expected at some point between the 20 and 22 December, and 2.5 million on either the 23 or 24 December, all coming from motorists who haven’t yet decided which day they’ll travel.
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When it comes to the best and worst times to travel over the festive period, the research has revealed that the worst time to travel along major routes will be between 1pm and 7pm, especially tomorrow and Saturday, so both the RAC and INRIX are suggesting that drivers set off early in the morning, or later in the evening when the heaviest of the traffic should have subsided.
After the big day, there are an additional 4.4 million trips predicted on Boxing Day and 3.8 million on Friday 27 December.
On these days, drivers are advised to avoid major roads during the hours of 10am to 3pm, which is when journeys are expected to take significantly longer than usual.
Police urgently appeal for footage after fatal stabbing in Moss Side
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal for footage in their ongoing investigation into a fatal stabbing in Moss Side last week.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are appealing for information – and in particular, mobile phone footage – as they continue to investigate the murder of 34-year-old father of three, Adrian Brown, who died following a stabbing in Moss Side last Friday (8 May).
Police were called to Raby Street in Moss Side at around 11pm last Friday to reports of a serious assault.
Mr Brown was found with stab wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries.
An 18‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day (Saturday 9 May) and remains in custody. A second man, aged 26, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men, aged 25 and 38, and a 26‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
With the police investigation now progressing at pace, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have captured mobile phone footage at any point during the evening – particularly in or around the West Indian Sports and Social Club on Westwood Street.
Adrian had been attending an event at the club that evening, before at around 11pm, he was assaulted just outside the front entrance.
“There were around 200 people at the club that night, and we believe some of those present may have information that could help us understand what happened,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson.
“This could include eyewitness accounts, or photos and videos taken throughout the evening.
“I appreciate that speaking to police can feel daunting, but anyone with footage can upload it anonymously through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.”
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270 or 101, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26, or uploading to the MIPP online here.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Police confirm man was arrested ‘on suspicion of making an explosive device’ in Gay Village
Daisy Jackson
Police have confirmed that the man who was detained in the midst of an incident in the Gay Village yesterday was arrested on suspicion of making an ‘explosive device’.
A huge cordon was in place in the Canal Street area in the city centre on Monday 11 May, after members of the public reported a ‘chemical smell’ coming from a hotel at around 10.45am.
Emergency services attended the scene and found chemical substances in a hotel room.
The man, who was believed to be the occupant of the hotel room, was detained at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed that he was ‘detained on suspicion of making an explosive device’ and was taken into custody for questioning.
In an update shared yesterday, they wrote: “The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.
“Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.
“Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed. The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk.
“We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.
“Staff from the fire service’s Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection team remain in attendance to conduct tests and ensure the area is safe.
“We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work.”
Emily Sergeant -
19th December 2024 
