Jams expected as Christmas getaway begins

HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to take to the roads, trains and air in the Bristol area this weekend as the Christmas holiday season gets under way in earnest.

Thanks to the poor weather and packed roads motorists in and around the city are being warned to prepare themselves for long delays and Bristol Airport is also bracing itself for one of its busiest weekends of the year.

With the school holidays starting and Christmas approaching many people are expected to take advantage of the break to take a holiday or visit relatives.

Bristol Airport said it is expecting more than 56,000 passengers to pass through the terminal over the course of the next four days as the holiday rush gets under way in earnest.

As well as people heading for some winter sunshine or visiting friends and family for the festive season, December also sees the start of the ski season.

The Canary Islands remains the most popular destination for winter sun, while shoppers looking for last minute inspiration and bargains are heading for New York via Dublin with Aer Lingus.

The airport is also expecting a big influx of visitors from abroad, with many travellers returning home or visiting friends and family in the region for the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Shaun Browne, aviation director at the airport, said: "December is always a busy month, with people taking advantage of the holidays to have a well-earned break or the opportunity to get together with friends and family. Winter sun destinations are also proving popular as passengers across the South West and Wales wish to get away from the winter weather."

Travellers are being advised to allow sufficient time to get to the airport and complete essential processes such as check-in, security and boarding.

And travellers are also being advised to allow themselves extra time on the roads and on the trains.

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for all of England's motorway and major A roads, said more than 250 miles of roadworks will have been completed before Christmas. In addition, a further 57 miles of works will be suspended between December 21 and January 2.

But works remain in place at 19 locations covering nearly 100 mile including the work around the Almondsbury interchange.

The M5 near Bristol has been identified as a traffic hotspot by the AA and motorists have been advised to steer clear during peak periods.

Traffic information company Inrix said around 18 million drivers could take to the road this Christmas.

It added that driving home for Christmas could take up to six times longer than usual in some parts of the country.

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