UK Braces for Christmas Travel Rush Amid High Winds and Rail Disruptions

Millions expected to travel for the holidays, with congestion and delays anticipated due to weather conditions and staff shortages.

Millions are bracing for one of the busiest travel days of the year as people gear up for Christmas, with widespread congestion expected around shopping centres, football venues and ports.
The RAC estimated there would be 13.5 million leisure journeys by car across the UK between Friday and Sunday, up 20% on the three days before Christmas Day last year.
High winds are due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England on Christmas Eve, potentially causing travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts.
Major engineering works at two London stations and staff shortages are expected to cause rail disruption.
Travellers crossing the Channel at the Port of Dover are facing long queues due to exceptionally heavy traffic and an unscheduled strike by French Eurotunnel workers.