It can be the road to hell for many, but those driving home for Christmas in 2020 will see less traffic on the roads than in previous years.

The AA are predicting that there will be fewer motorists on the roads this year, even though the government has given permission for families to get-together in small bubbles to celebrate after a terrible year.

Analysis of journey volumes by the motoring organisation suggests that only 24 per cent of drivers are likely to be on the roads between the 18th December and the 4th of January, somewhere in the region of 7.9million cars. The same period in 2019 saw 17million people clog the road networks as the colder weather and the rush across the country brought major roads to a standstill.

“The question will be "should I stay, or should I go?" as families weigh up Christmas over Covid,” said AA president, Edmund King.

“Two fifths of drivers who had already cancelled travel plans may still be wary of risk to their loved ones, or unable to choose who to include in their small Christmas bubble.

“With a review of tiers due on 16 December, some could leave it late to make their final decision.

“But the 28 per cent who felt it's even more important to share the season with friends and family this year, are likely to embrace the gift of some restrictions being lifted.”

The busiest day of the year is likely to be Christmas Eve with an estimated 3.8 million on the roads.

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