Motorists hit the road to beat the Christmas rush

UK transport in disarray over Christmas season

Travel Insurance News - 24/12/2009

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With Christmas just around the corner, as many as 10 million British motorists are expected to take to the road today in order to reach their holiday destinations.

Although people have been working hard in order to ensure that the icy roads are safe to drive on, motorists should take extra care to reach their destinations safely. According to the AA, the thawing leads to black ice, which is particularly tricky to drive on.

This week, heavy winter conditions have been a menace to motorists, with 2,000 motorists being trapped in Reading and Basingstoke on Monday night due to heavy snowfall.

Airlines are also battling against time, with leading airline easyJet admitting that they are still struggling to find seats for thousands of customers, who have been stranded for up to four days due to heavy snow.

In a recent press statement, a spokesman for AA explained that: "The roads are easier now although there will be issues relating to sheer volume of traffic, regardless of what the weather is like."

The large traffic volume and difficult driving conditions have already led to a number of accidents, especially to the west of England. Just yesterday 48 people were injured when a coach overturned in Cornwall, and many other accidents have resulting in people being rushed to hospital.

Although the AA has criticized local councils for not taking proper measures, transport minister Sadiq Khan has said that the government is: "doing everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum. We have been in close contact with local authorities where concerns have been raised."

So wherever you plan to spend Christmas this year, please drive safely.

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