AA Roadwatch Are Predicting Heavy Traffic On These Routes In The Lead-Up To Christmas

We understand that you want to get home for Christmas ASAP. You've waited long enough for the day to come around, you've all the essentials packed and you want to hit the road quicker than you can say 'Feliz Navidad'.

However, you're not the only one who is thinking like that.

There is going to be traffic, you will be stuck behind flashing red lights as cars break every couple of metres and you will probably feel like getting a bit cross also.

But don't bother, just keep in mind that you're heading home for Christmas and nothing else can get you down.

AA Roadwatch has predicted that there is going to be some heavy traffic on eight major roads in the lead up to Christmas.

So, if you're planning to travel on any of the following roads, be aware and be prepared:

M50 southbound from J7 Lucan to J17 M11
M7 Dublin/ Limerick Rd especially between J6 Castlewarden and J10 Naas South
N40 South Ring Rd in Cork City; particularly between J6 Kinsale Rd and the Dunkettle Interchange
N11 Dublin/ Wexford Rd from J5 Bray North to Kilmacanogue
N4/ M4 Dublin/ Sligo Rd from Chapelizod Bypass to J7 Maynooth and also further west through Carrick on Shannon
N21 Limerick/ Tralee Rd past Patrickswell to Adare and then again to go through Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale
N18 Limerick/ Galway Rd through Gort and again further north from Clarinbridge to Oranmore
N20 Cork/ Limerick Rd between Mallow and Buttevant

They have also reminded the public to think of the following before they set off on their Christmas travels:

Not all service stations are open on the 25^th – remember to fuel-up in advance using the correct fuel type.
Make sure to have a spare wheel as a lot of tyre centres and garages are closed.
To avoid your battery going flat remember to switch off all headlights, interior lights, heaters and the radio when leaving your car.
Keep a pair of jump leads in your boot.
Prepare an in-car safety kit to include: a demisting cloth, de-icer, shovel, salt/sand, AA Membership card, torch, warning triangle.

For more information, you can visit the AA Roadwatch blog.