Millions of cars will take to the roads today as the Christmas getaway begins.

Kent's motorways and most of the county's A-roads will be free of roadworks, although delays are expected on the M25 around the Dartford crossing.

Queues are also likely on the A2 near Dartford, as shoppers head to Bluewater in search of last-minute Christmas presents.

The AA says it expects around 17m cars to be on the roads during the festive period.

Meanwhile, 11% of motorists will take tomorrow off work and 15% will leave the office early on Friday in order to beat the traffic, according to insurance company esure.

The Highways Agency has completed 500 miles of roadworks before Christmas and suspended a further 60 miles between December 23 and January 3 in a bid to ease delays.

Completed roadworks in Kent include the installation of new road markings along a four-mile stretch of the M2 and resurfacing on the M20.

However, around 13 miles of roadworks will remain in place on the M25 between junctions 29 (for Romford) and 30 (for Dagenham and Tilbury) – one of 26 places where lane restrictions or temporary speed limits cannot be lifted.