[Howellben]

So....we are thinking of traveling to family on Christmas day itself this year. Norwich to Braintree (A11/M11) leaving at 10am. And I'm wondering whether the roads will be clear or whether I am setting myself and the kids up for a journey from hell taking over our Christmas day!!

Something in my head is telling me that traffic on Christmas day itself last year was gridlocked for people, but I might be wrong.

Don't suppose anyone has any experience/thoughts about this, and how the roads might be?

[Rolebama]

I have noticed, over a relatively few years, how traffic has increased on Christmas Day morning. I travel from NW London suburbs to Beds and Cambs, mainly on the A1(M). (Around 10 - 11am). I have my radio set for traffic reports and it seems heavy traffic and a bit of congestion is widespread nowadays.

[Beelzebub]

Originally Posted by Rolebama

I have noticed, over a relatively few years, how traffic has increased on Christmas Day morning. I travel from NW London suburbs to Beds and Cambs, mainly on the A1(M). (Around 10 - 11am). I have my radio set for traffic reports and it seems heavy traffic and a bit of congestion is widespread nowadays.

Agreed. It used to be very quiet indeed, but not now. I suspect it's entirely down to the absence of public transport.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Beelzebub

Agreed. It used to be very quiet indeed, but not now. I suspect it's entirely down to the absence of public transport.

Did public transport used to run on Christmas Day @Beelzebub ? I'm struggling to remember any time that it did

[Beelzebub]

Originally Posted by Marc

Did public transport used to run on Christmas Day @Beelzebub ? I'm struggling to remember any time that it did

Marc, my memory goes back (a lot ) farther than yours!

[Rolebama]

Yes, there was public transport on Christmas Day. It was a Sunday service. I only know this to be true of London Transport, and Southdown buses. I remember having a lunchtime drink with my brothers and having to use buses and tube to get home because of overdoing it. Went back a few days later to pick up the car. I did the same in Eastbourne with brothers-in-law and friends.

[NMNeil]

Not Christmas here, but Thanksgiving with an estimated 54 million driving. And every one of those drivers will be complaining about the traffic congestion.
Slow learners I guess.
https://www.startpage.com/av/proxy-i...40569a6f32cd86

[Rolebama]

I use almost all of the roads that used to be congested before the advent of motorways. There are occasions when I use these roads and don't see another car for miles. This counts for the M25 from the M3 round to the M1, and the M25 itself. Also counts for some of the major A roads in these areas as well.
When I tell other people this they tell me that can't be bothered with all the palaver.