Festive Holiday Getaway Sees Millions Hit the Road

Motorists have been warned to expect severe delays Friday as more than 18 million people are expected to drive to their Christmas destinations.

The Highways Agency is suspending roadworks on several motorways and major roads until after the New Year, but some disruption will still remain on the M1 and M25.

The Automobile Association has predicted that most motorists will set off at 11.30am to reach their destination before it gets dark.

It has warned motorists to avoid the M1 between junctions 6a and 10, and 30 to 32. The M4 around Cardiff is also expected to be jammed.

Christmas Day should be much quieter with only 4 million vehicles on the road.

A record 3.5 million people are meanwhile planning to head overseas over the festive period -- with New York and Geneva the two most popular holiday destinations.

However, their plans could be ruined as more than 5,000 workers at the British Airports Authority have been voting on industrial action over a row about their pensions.

BAA -- which operates seven airports including Heathrow and Gatwick -- wants to close its final-salary scheme to new employees.

Angry BAA workers could start industrial action on December 28.

The Unite union has 28 days to carry out any industrial action but must give seven days' notice of any planned action.

Source-AFP
LIN/M