Motorists on their Christmas getaway could face delays of nearly an hour this week.

With schools breaking up for the holidays families will be taking to the roads this week for the festive season.

With junction and lane closures also scheduled, the M20 is set to be Kent's hardest-hit motorway.

This Thursday the RAC is predicting delays of 56 minutes between junction eight for Lenham and junction 13 for Folkestone.

The roadside assistance and insurance firm is predicting a travel time of 82 minutes.

In normal conditions, the journey can take between 26 and 35 minutes.

Traffic is expected to reach its peak at around 7.30pm.

Data scientist at travel analysts INRIX, Joshua Kidd said: "Our data shows that compared to a normal day, Thursday, December 20 will see the biggest increase in cars on the road.

"With most drivers setting out mid-morning, traffic will become heavier over the course of the afternoon and stay congested into the evening. But it’s not just those off to see family and friends - commuters, last-ditch shoppers and online deliveries will contribute to clogging the roads.

"Drivers are advised to seek out alternative routes to their destinations and use the latest technology for real-time updates."

The M20 has been beset by delays due to the ongoing Smart Motorway scheme, with narrow lanes and 50mph speed restrictions currently in place to carry out improvements at junction three and five.

Overnight lane closures also start tonight, with lanes one and two closed eastbound between junction seven for Maidstone and 10 for Ashford.

The closure is in place from 8pm to 6am until Friday.

The London-bound access and exit at junction eight will be closed between 8pm and 6am this week, as well as its coastbound-access.

Junction seven's London-bound exit will also be closed from 8pm to 6am until December 22.

Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said: "We know that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times on our roads and we’d also like to remind people about the importance of checking their vehicle before setting off on their journeys.

"Simple things like checking your fuel and oil levels, tyre pressures and that all lights are working properly, can keep you moving and the network flowing"

Last month two new bridges opened on the M20.

Teapot Lane's footbridge at Aylesford was replaced ahead of schedule on November 17.

In Ashford, work at the new junction 10a saw the new Kingsford Street bridge open.

Councillors have asked if the bridge could have a new paint job, dubbing it "rather green".