Millions face long traffic queues as motorists drive home for Christmas

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The AA president Edmund King said: “While Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December look set to be the busiest travelling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.” Blustery weather is also likely to impact travel as warnings for wind cover north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England, with gusts as high as 70mph are set to lash the region. open image in gallery Traffic queues for ferries at the Port of Dover in Kent Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said: “People should make sure to leave more time, especially in exposed areas, it could affect rail networks and ferries. “People travelling on roads should take care and stay away from high-sided vehicles, and for people who are at home and are going for walks, stay away from coasts.” A yellow weather warning for rain is currently in force covering much of Wales, with forecasters warning that flooding and travel disruption is possible, and will last until 6pm on Christmas Eve. Shadow transport minister Louise Haigh said the domestic rail infrastructure has been “totally underinvested in”, causing “record delays and cancellations”.