Millions head off for holiday

Millions of people were clogging roads, rail and airports today in one of the festive season's busiest days for traffic.

More than 18 million people are expected on the roads over the holiday fortnight, 20 million will carry out last-minute shopping today and a record 1.8 million are expected to travel abroad.

The AA said today will be one of the busiest days on the roads over the period, with some, such as the M25, carrying 25 per cent more traffic.

Research into insurance claims shows the most likely time for accidents on the roads on Christmas Eve is between noon and 1pm. An AA spokesman said: "Many people will be finishing work early and heading off. Many of Britain's roads are so close to capacity on normal days that any increase in traffic will result in delays."

By 7am jams were building on the A41 after the southbound carriageway was reduced to one lane between Baker Street and Portman Square.

BAA said that more than 550,000 people will be leaving through its seven UK airports, which include Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, over the holiday period.