Holiday exodus begins

Thousands of people are today heading out of London for the New Year weekend, putting extra pressure on the road and rail network. The rush to holiday destinations, airports and ports was beginning in earnest this afternoon. T

he M25 will be heavily hit near Heathrow, where widening roadworks continue. The orbital motorway will also be busy near Gatwick. Other major routes which will feel the strain of extra holiday traffic include the M4 out of London, the M1 and A1 to the North and the M11 to Stansted.

Motorists may also face delays on the M2 and M20 to the South-East, the M23 and A23 to the South and the A3 and M3 to the South-West, according to travel information service RAC Live.

Queues are likely on key routes on Monday as millions of workers return home.

About one million people will use the railways each day of the New Year weekend.

Travellers should check with National Rail Enquiries before setting out. Call 08457 484950 or use www.nationalrail.co.uk.