A quieter Christmas on the roads is being predicted as the credit crunch and possible bad weather have an impact on people’s travel plans.

New research by the AA shows the roads look set to be quieter than usual over the festive season, with 65% of 7,380 people questioned saying they will be avoiding travelling and staying at home.

Almost one fifth of people (18%) who travelled over Christmas last year have decided to change their plans and stay at home.

Only 10% of people will be spending more than four hours in the car over the Christmas period compared to 25% in 2007, the survey found.

The busiest day for driving will be Monday, December 22 as people begin to travel to their Christmas destinations.

Many people are set to escape altogether with research from the AA Route Planner revealing Heathrow and Gatwick as two of the top 10 popular destinations for motorists.

Only 11% of people intend to drive more than 100 miles in order to visit friends and family for festive celebrations.

Londoners will be travelling the furthest, with 15% gearing up to travel more than 100 miles over the Christmas period.

Almost 60% of people would rather stay at home for Christmas than travel to friends or family.

And more than half (55%) hope to spend less than an hour travelling in the car.

Christmas Day will be the quietest day on the roads, with 85% of people saying they won’t be travelling long distances.

Top ten destinations over the Christmas period:

1. London (central London, in particular the West End)

    

2. Manchester

    

3. Birmingham

    

4. Leeds

    

5. NEC

    

6. Bristol

    

7. Milton Keynes

    

8. Nottingham

    

9. Heathrow  

    

10. Gatwick  

     

Busiest routes:

·                         M1 and A1 Northbound

·                         From London to the North West – M6, M6 Toll

·                         A74M and M74 to Scotland

·                         M23 to Gatwick Airport and the M11 to Stansted Airport

·                         M42 and M5 Southbound towards Wales and the West

by Phil Davies

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