Data reveals worst times to be on the roads this Christmas

Drivers preparing for the dreaded Christmas crawl can avoid peak bumper-to-bumper traffic with the state government revealing the worst days and times to hit the highway. But there is some relief with no roadworks being carried out on one major highway. SEE THE PEAK TIMES.

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Drivers preparing for the dreaded Christmas crawl can avoid peak bumper-to-bumper traffic with the state government revealing the worst days and times to hit the highway.

This coming Friday and Thursday December 27 are expected to be the busiest days for holiday-makers, with new data showing trips during peak times can be up to 90 minutes longer.

To help speed up Christmas commutes, no roadworks will be carried out on the Pacific Highway, while speed limits at some sites to be reinstated to 100km/hr.

Authorities are advising commuters to plan their trip before they leave. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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With the number of cars doubling on the road over the festive period, a traffic hot spots list has been compiled by the Roads and Maritime Services on its website.

RMS director of operations Anna Andrews said the new data would help motorists better plan their vacation and hopefully change their driving habits.

“It’s thinking about whether there is another way that we could plan this journey using this information to inform our decisions and is there another route that is available to us,” she said.

The RMS predicts the worst days to travel on the Hume Highway will be December 21, 23, 27 and 28.

Motorists should also avoid the Pacific Highway on December 26, 27 and 28, while the Princes Highway will be at its busiest on December 21 and 27.

Heavier traffic is expected around Woodburn, Coffs Harbour, Hexham, Nowra, Albion Park Rail, Milton, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.

Ms Andrews said despite popular belief, leaving early in the morning doesn’t beat the queues.

“We need to accept that with this pressure on the transport system there is a level of delay but people can make informed decisions around their travel,” she said.

NSW Transport’s co-ordinator general Marg Prendergast said traffic will be busy during this Christmas period. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Travellers jetting off for their Christmas break should also allow for extra time to arrive at Sydney Airport, with NSW Transport’s co-ordinator general Marg Prendergast saying the roads will be busy.

“Traffic will be heavy on roads in and around the airport every day for the next month, so to avoid being stressed before you start your holiday leave the car at home and catch the train to the airport,” she said.

RMS staff will be also be based at key rest areas and service centres along highways to provide drivers with real-time travel information.

“This will help them understand what’s coming up and then they can chose to either stop at a certain location to avoid the queues or take an alternative route,” Ms Andrews said.

To plan your holiday road trip, visit rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys.