West Midlands motorists urged to plan ahead for Boxing Day queues
National Highways says Boxing Day is one of the busiest on the roads
Motorists in the West Midlands are being urged to prepare for delays, with Boxing Day being one of the busiest on the roads over the festive period.
National Highways says it is one of their busiest for journeys as many head to see family across the country.
Advice from West Midlands Ambulance Service:
Jim Hancox, Senior Operations Manager at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said planning ahead would help reduce pressure on the emergency services:
"We have seen a huge spike in cases of flu this winter. We plan extensively for the winter and there are a number of things that come at this time of year that we know will be particularly challenging.
"The days between Christmas and New Year can be busy because you'll have people that have put off accessing the NHS because of Christmas," he said.
'Plenty of fuel'
Jim Hancox has this advice: "It is really important that people do their bit to ease pressure.
"Make sure your car is roadworthy. Check your tyres, make sure you have plenty of fuel. Make sure you've got the antifreeze, it is not beyond the realms of possibility to end up in a snowstorm in the UK.
"We like to spend this time of year with friends and family and we don't all live together in the same street. So there are days that are particularly busy on the on the UK's roads.
'Go when the weather is suitable'
"If you can avoid taking a journey at a time when everyone else is on the road, you will probably have a more pleasant journey because you won't be stuck in traffic.
"Some people do not particularly like driving in the dark, so think about when you're leaving and when you're going to get to your destination and just plan ahead.
"Whatever means of transport you're using to to get from A to B, think about going when the the weather is suitable, when the probably the roads are not as busy," he said.