Passengers face major travel disruptions on Christmas Eve as Great Western Railway services between Reading and Gatwick Airport are affected by train crew shortages, while a complete closure of the M27 motorway in Hampshire adds to festive travel challenges. Motoring organisations predict record-breaking traffic numbers with 4.2 million trips expected today alone.
Great Western Railway announced the disruption on X, stating services to and from Reading and Gatwick Airport may face delays across all routes until 17:00 on Christmas Eve. The issues stem from a shortage of train crew.
The M27 motorway closure compounds travel difficulties for those in Hampshire. The road is shut in both directions between Junction 9 at Whiteley and Junction 11 at Fareham East from 8pm on Christmas Eve until 4am on 4 January. Journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth face diversions via the A27, with delays expected between 10am and 4pm daily.
Peak traffic warnings
RAC predicts 4.2 million festive getaway trips on Christmas Eve, with the heaviest traffic on major roads between 1pm and 7pm. The AA estimates more than 22 million cars will be on the roads today. A RAC spokesperson advised: «Traffic is expected to be heaviest on major roads between 1pm and 7pm, so our advice to drivers – especially those travelling longer distances – is to set out before this time if possible.»
The motorway clockwise sections of the northern and western M25 are expected to see jams from mid-morning, whilst the M5 north from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands will face congestion later in the afternoon.
Drivers should check tyres are properly inflated and free of damage, ensure oil and coolant levels are correct, and adjust headlight aim according to the load being carried. The RAC is expecting a rise in breakdowns as a result of the switch to colder weather.
Festive period services
Most train operators run no services on Christmas Day, with many also halting Boxing Day operations. Exceptions include Chiltern Railways, London Overground, Merseyrail, ScotRail, Southern, and Stansted Express, which offer limited Boxing Day services. Eurostar runs no services on Christmas Day.
London's Liverpool Street station closes for eight days between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Waterloo station and Vauxhall face no trains on 27 and 28 December, with reduced timetables from 29 December to 4 January.
Almost all supermarkets close on Christmas Day. Aldi, Lidl, M&S and most Waitrose stores remain shut on Boxing Day and New Year's Day as well. Most GP surgeries close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, though NHS 111 operates 24 hours a day throughout the festive period.
Shaun Jones of the AA expert patrol said: «We know drivers will be heading out for all sorts of festive fun — from pantomimes and Christmas markets to family visits and scenic walks. But with so many sleighs on the tarmac, patience will be your best present this year. Pack essentials, keep your tank or EV charge topped up, and don't let congestion steal your Christmas sparkle.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).