WHILE THE WEATHER has improved, jammed roads and busy traffic around shopping centres are likely to cause some headaches for motorists, AA Roadwatch has said this week.
Traffic levels in Ireland have been increasing steadily in recent years following the dip during the recession, and while commuter traffic is likely to drop off somewhat on tomorrow, shopping areas in other areas will likely still be busy with people coming home to buy last minute gifts.
“Motorists can expect to see a surge in city-centre traffic on Thursday 21 December, as last-minute shoppers try to take advantage of late closing hours to get all of their gifts sorted,” said Elaine O’Sullivan, editor of AA Roadwatch.
“Meanwhile, on Friday 22 December traffic levels will start to build up from 1pm as those leaving city centres around the country make their way home for Christmas before traffic starts to die down again after approximately 4pm.”
Christmas Day itself will likely be light on traffic due to people staying indoors with their families, while the sales on St Stephen’s Day onwards will likely contribute some mid-to-heavy congestion.
While AA Roadwatch and Rescue Teams will be working over the Christmas period, the recent cold snap has made the teams significantly busier, so here are some tips to ensure you don’t get caught out when visiting friends and family this season:
They are also predicting heavy traffic on the following routes in the lead-up to Christmas:
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