Christmas traffic is predicted to peak earlier than normal because Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.

The AA has issued an amber traffic warning for Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23 – the two days it expects traffic to be bumper-to-bumper on numerous routes as millions embark on a festive getaway.

The breakdown organisation estimates that 16.1 million car journeys will be made on Friday, December 22 and 16.4 million cars are predicted to take to the roads the following day, on December 23.

While Christmas Eve is often the most popular day for festive travel - as people finish work and make their way to family or friends – the addition this year of a weekend immediately before December 25 means traffic experts expect people to set-off earlier.

In Kent, motorists are being advised to play close attention to live journey planners and traffic alerts for both the M25 and M20.

Both motorways are among a list of routes the AA expects to see the most traffic on December 22 and 23 – while there are warnings too about the M6 close to Birmingham, the M1 from Luton northwards, alongside the M62, M60, M4 and A34.

However a weekend directly before Christmas Day could prove to be good news for businesses – with the AA suggesting December 23 and Christmas Eve will also be popular shopping days for some as the dates fall favourably with those still in search of last minute presents.

And with the majority of schools breaking up for Christmas on Friday, December 15 there is an expectation that this date too could see a small short-lived spike in evening traffic, particularly between 4pm and 7pm, as parents and families celebrate the end of term with a Christmas outing or meal out.

Edmund King, AA president, is urging all drivers taking to the road over the festive period to travel with essentials including snacks, water and warm clothes, should the unexpected happen.

He added: “While Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December look set to be the busiest traveling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.

“New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening. Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”