Well it’s that most glorious time of the year as the nation begins to move for the Christmas break.
Over 20 million rail journeys are expected to be made (with me accounting for two of them at least), at least 200,000 people are due to cross the channel by ferry or Eurostar, and Heathrow Airport is expecting 123,000 passengers to fly through the next few days.
There are some major pinch points on the rail network, with some closures due to occur – head to http://nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.html for the latest travel news, and http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/seasonal/Christmas_2012/index_custom.html
Additionally for visitors who are coming into London – Heathrow Express/Connect will not be operating on the 25 and 26th December, and the remainder of the Christmas/New Year Period there will be a reduced timetable – https://www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/service-plans).
Additionally for those of you who are visiting London, please remember the drivers who are attached ASLEF union will be holding a London Underground drivers strike on 26th December – See TfL’s recommendations.
The main peak getaway will be from about 16:00 onwards on the roads, with estimates of a 10 minute journey taking up to 60 minutes at the M6/M5 Interchange area in Birmingham box. Check the Highways agency site for the latest – http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/
With the heavy rain conditions in some parts of the UK, the advice is simple: allow extra time for your journey.
And Safe Travels this Christmas season – no matter when you end up.