AA survey says start of 2026 will see just 18 million cars on the road
New Year’s Day is expected to be a quiet time for the country’s roads, with just 53% of drivers venturing out. That’s according to an AA survey which says the network will be quieter than Christmas Day – with around 18 million cars on the road.
The motoring organisation adds that it expects traffic surges between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve as families visit their loved ones and shoppers head out to hunt for bargains.
One of the busiest days of the post-festive period is expected to be Monday 5 January which is when the ‘big return’ happens for millions of workers and students.
The survey says 65% of people will be driving which equates to around 22 million cars on the road. Boxing Day is set to kick off a surge which’ll peak between 27 and 30 December.
Despite high traffic levels, most car journeys are expected to remain short. Across the festive period between 49 to 59% of trips are set to be under 50 miles – and very few exceed 200 miles.
‘Throughout the festive season we see a real mix of activity on the roads, and this year is no different,’ says Shaun Jones, AA Expert Patrol.
‘Visiting family, picking up shopping and getting back into work all keep people moving locally, even when the long-distance trips are few and far between.’
‘Most of the journeys we attend are short hops within communities, but they still deserve the same level of care and preparation as a long drive.’
‘New Year’s Day stands out as the quietest moment in the whole period, giving drivers a rare chance to avoid congestion.’
‘Preparation matters most when the roads get busy again’
‘But the calm is short-lived – by 2 January, traffic rebounds fast as work and school return, and breakdown call-outs rise sharply. It’s a reminder that preparation matters most when the roads get busy again.’
‘If you haven’t ventured out much over Christmas, now is the perfect time to make sure your car is ready for the return to work and school.’
‘A quick check of tyres, battery, screenwash and fuel levels can make a big difference – especially at this time of year when cold weather and busy roads can catch drivers out. A few simple steps help keep you moving safely into the new year.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on an AA survey which found Cornwall tops the UK’s holiday destination list.
