The RAC and transport analytics company Inrix said roads will likely be busiest between 1pm and 7pm, with millions of drivers expected to embark on journeys to their Christmas destinations over the weekend and into the start of next week.
The six hours when you shouldn't drive to avoid Christmas traffic hell
Read MoreThe AA has issued several amber traffic warnings and said that a record 23.7 million drivers were expected to make journeys on Friday.
Drivers faced delays that peaked from an hour to 90 minutes in a five-mile jam with two of the four southbound lanes closed between J30 and J31.
In Suffolk, the A14 eastbound was closed completely just outside Ipswich after a car and lorry collided just before 2pm.
Travel experts have offered advice to drivers on dealing with the weekend’s busy roads and challenging weather, recommending leaving extra travel time where possible and carrying an emergency breakdown kit including warm clothes, waterproofs, shoes and a fully-charged powerbank to keep phones powered up.
Britain to be battered by 85mph gales in wet and windy start to Christmas getaway
Read More“We understand it’s nearly Christmas and many people will be eager to get to their destinations, but our advice to drivers is to slow down, leave more space behind the car in front and be wary of the impact sudden strong gusts of wind can have.
“Those whose journeys involve using major bridges should allow extra time in case they are closed for safety reasons. Carrying an emergency breakdown kit in the boot is also important – sturdy shoes, warm clothes, waterproofs and a fully-charged mobile powerbank with cable are all must-haves.”
Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland said: “Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“As always, we ask travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their festive celebrations in good time.
Rail passengers have been warned that misery will ramp up over the festive period with Britain’s ten worst train companies cancelling almost 800 services a day as travellers face chaos on the rail network over the Christmas holidays.
Additional reporting by agencies
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