ALMOST 17 million cars are expected to hit UK roads in the coming days.

The AA is predicting high levels of traffic over the Christmas period, with millions setting off for Christmas on December 23 and Christmas Eve, causing lengthy jams at traffic hotspots.
A survey of more than 12,000 drivers revealed which days could freeze plans over the festive period with bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Planned Network Rail strikes may add to the getaway mayhem as staff plan to walkout on Christmas Eve.
Almost a quarter plan to travel for work on December 15 and 16, after which business-based travel drops off until the New Year.
A fifth (20%) said they are driving to do their Christmas shopping on Saturday, December 17, with one in 10 (12%) opting to use Christmas Eve as their final shopping day.
This year, the main days for celebrating with friends and family will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the survey said.

While the big day will be one of the quietest days on the road, of those driving almost two in five (39%) will be meeting up with their loved ones.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “While December 23 and Christmas Eve look set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail service staff may lead to increased levels of cars on our roads.
“If you do plan to use the rail network, keep updated by checking train company websites to prevent your trip home for Christmas from hitting the buffers.”
He added: “New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.
“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”