Several areas of the UK are set to be affected Brits have been urged not to travel on major routes around the UK from 1pm today, as warnings are issued by experts.
The AA has also predicted that from this afternoon (20 December), traffic is set to make roads across Britain grind to a standstill.
This is, of course, due to the mad rush of people acting in the tradition of Chris Rea and driving home for Christmas.
According to the AA, today is set to be the busiest day on the roads throughout the festive period.
Today (20 December) is expected to be the busiest day on the roads (Construction Photography/Avalon via Getty Images)
The AA has said an estimated 23.7 million drivers are expected to hit the roads as the mad dash to make it home for Christmas next week begins.
The breakdown coverage experts have also revealed where the major hotspots for traffic are set to be, i.e. where you should avoid unless you want to spend five hours sitting in your car to move about two miles at most.
The roads to avoid that are likely to face the most congestion
- The M4/M5 interchange near Bristol
- The M25 near Heathrow Airport
- The M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham
- The M4 around Cardiff and Newport
- The M60 near the Trafford Centre in Manchester
- The M1 near Meadowhall in Sheffield
- The M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow
In addition to this, the RAC and Inrix, a data analytics firm that provides information on traffic hotspots, have also identified the M3’s junction between the M25 and the south coast, the M25 anticlockwise between the junctions linking to the M1 and M23, and the M53 from Chester to Liverpool as hotspots for queues today.
In the annual journey home that many British motorists will face this coming weekend, extra care should also be taken due to the weather conditions.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings across parts of the UK, with some reports stating that winds of up to ‘85mph’ are set to batter the country.
Saturday’s (21 December) weather warning (Met Office)
Despite this, the Met Office guidance warns of a maximum of 80mph winds, and most areas covered expected to face winds of between 50 and 60mph.
While yellow guidance does not come with a risk to life warning, drivers should be aware of the potentially high winds when travelling.
This can cause travel disruption and delays to drivers and train passengers.
On Saturday (21 December), the affected areas mostly reside in North England, Scotland, and the north of Ireland.
On Sunday (22 December), the entire western half of Britain is set to be hit, along with the north of Ireland and all of Scotland.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Christmas, Travel, Weather, UK News
Michael Slavin
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Published 15:58 11 Dec 2024 GMT
Brits given fresh update on new EU travel system that Foreign Office says will ‘cause delays to holidays’
It’s been planned for ages and keeps being delayed
A fresh update has been given on a state-of-the-art travel system that everyone with a UK passport will have to go through if they want to head to the majority of destinations in Europe. And yes, it’s all because of Brexit.
After voting to leave the European Union (EU) in 2016, Brits were transferred into the ‘other’ category when it came to enjoying the freedoms of movement associated with belonging to an EU member state.
It has meant we’re now subject to a lot more rules than before the Brexit vote due to the UK no longer being a part of the EU’s Schengen Area.
And now, the EU is closing in on bringing in its brand new border security system that will impact everyone who doesn’t have an EU passport.
10 Year Passport Rule Ruins Woman’s Holiday
Credit: TikTok/@franhainingg
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The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) explained
Dubbed the Entry/Exit System, or EES, it will see UK passport holders and everyone else not belonging to an EU member state subjected to biometric tests when entering an EU state.
This will include having our faces scanned for a copy of our retinas as well as our fingerprints taken and recorded. This is done every time you go in or out of the EU.
The EES will eventually go live across Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. That’s a lot of holiday destinations.
By introducing this system, it will see an end to stamping passports and other manual ways of checking entry to the EU.
UK passport holders and everyone else not belonging to an EU member state will be subjected to biometric tests when entering an EU state (SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)
EES delayed
As of putting together this update, the EES should have already gone live on 10 November.
But its roll out was delayed (for a third time) due to ongoing problems it has had when it comes to practically putting the plan in to action.
One of the main ways the EES was going to run was through a mobile app. But the app is not ready.
Speaking in the UK Parliament in October, John Keefe, chief corporate and public affairs officer of Eurotunnel parent Getlink, said: “The possibility of enrolling data away from the point of entry has great value. [But] it’s not clear when the app will be available, [and] it’s being prepared for subsequent entry to the EU not first entry and enrolment in the system.
“It’s targeted at those already enrolled in the system.”
In other words, those going in to the EU for the first time after the EES goes live will have to queue up and do it manually. It is only after that you can speed things up and process your trip on the app.
Current airport security gates in Paris (DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP via Getty Images)
EES update as 2025 approaches
The European Commission has explained how the EES will work as 2025 nears. One way to get the ball rolling is to introduce a phased roll out, the Commission accepted, adding ‘it had not yet received the required declarations of readiness from all member states’.
As a result, the Commission last week proposed a new rule to give all EU countries six months to introduce the new system. The only problem with this is that no date has been given for the phased roll out.
New Internal Affairs Commissioner, Magnus Brunnersaid, said: “The Entry-Exit system is a big step towards more integrated and comprehensive border management. Allowing Member States to gradually phase in the new system will ensure it operates smoothly from day one.”
The EES will next be discussed on Thursday (12 December), where an implementation date could be pencilled in.
When it does finally come in, the Foreign Office has warned Brits they will ‘get their fingerprints and photo taken when entering the Schengen area’.
“You’ll get either your fingerprints or photo taken when you leave. You will not get a stamp in your passport,” its website states. “Queues at borders may be longer when these changes begin. If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK.”Featured Image Credit: DIMITAR DILKOFF / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Travel, UK News, Europe, World News, Brexit, Holiday
Tom Earnshaw
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Published 09:48 7 Dec 2024 GMT
Thousands of Brits left without power as ‘danger to life’ storm batters UK with 93mph winds
Millions have been warned to stay indoors
Thousands of Brits are still left without power as Storm Darragh batters through the UK with 93mph winds.
A red ‘danger to life’ weather warning was issued to around three million homes last night (6 December), urging people to keep indoors amid the conditions.
“The storm may damage infrastructure causing power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage,” the message issued by mobile phone read.
“Consider gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items you already have at home.”
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Millions have been warned to stay indoors (Fergus Sweeney/PA Wire)
“Extremely strong winds associated with Storm Darragh are expected to cause significant disruption from 3.00am on Saturday 07 December 2024,” it added.
“Strong winds can cause flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas, all of which can present a danger to life. Stay indoors if you can. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.”
As a result, National Grid has confirmed that more than 55,000 customers have no power supply across the South West, South Wales, and the West Midlands due to Storm Darragh. It’s said the majority of these were in South Wales, although around 376,000 customers have had their power restored by its teams since the start of the storm.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said it remains a ‘challenging situation’.
“About three million homes will have had the emergency alert system to their mobile phone. I would just encourage anyone who has had that to follow the advice,” he told Sky News.
Reynolds said National Grid staff ‘will be on standby for any further challenges throughout the rest of the day’.
Thousands are left without power amid the 93mph winds (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
He added: “Where you can, stay inside, don’t put yourself at risk, and just follow the advice at all times.”
Air traffic control (ATC) provider Nats has also said temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at Heathrow and Gatwick.
A spokesman said: “Due to Storm Darragh today temporary air traffic restrictions are in place. Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.
“We are monitoring closely and our Met Office expert embedded within our operation is ensuring we have the latest available information.
“Our teams are working closely with airports and airlines to minimise disruption.
“Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.”
National Rail has announced that there will be ‘significant disruption’ across their network today, with cancellations and delayed services expected.
Meanwhile, today’s Premier League fixture between Everton and Liverpool has been called off due to the weather.
By 6am on Sunday (8 December), all weather warnings are likely to have been lifted.Featured Image Credit: Fergus Sweeney/PA Wire/Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Anish Vij
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Published 20:12 16 Dec 2024 GMT
Royal Mail issues deadline warning to Brits buying last minute Christmas presents
People have been urged to get their post sent off as soon as possible to avoid disappointment
No matter how organised we all promise we’ll be in January, Brits are still running around like headless chickens in the lead up to Christmas.
Some of us are still looking for stocking fillers and ransacking the shelves on 24 December, but if you’re posting your presents, you really need to get a move on.
Royal Mail have now issued a reminder of their mailing deadlines over the festive season so that people can hopefully avoid disappointment on the Big Day.
Those who are in the gift giving spirit have been urged to send their parcels off ‘as early as possible’ to ensure they arrive on time for Christmas.
Posties are pushed to the brink during the month of December, as people want to spread the festive cheer by sending cards and presents to their family and friends.
Apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, the UK‘s postal service is operating as usual, but with a whole lot more demand to keep up with.
Royal Mail has shared their postal deadlines over the festive season (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
So, the last thing your poor local postal worker needs is someone giving them a rollocking at the front door and complaining about a package not turning up.
Which is why we should all do our bit to keep things running smoothly and head to the post office ASAP with our special deliveries.
And not to alarm you, but we are now just a little over a week away from 25 December – so you really ought to finish your shopping soon anyway.
In a post shared on X on Monday (15 December), Royal Mail announced their annual Christmas deadlines.
It read: “If you’re sending items for Christmas, we have some latest posting dates coming up for our UK Inland Services.
“Please post as early as possible to ensure your items reach their destination in good time.”
Brits have been urged to get their parcels sent off as soon as possible (X/@RoyalMail)
Brits were then informed that if they are sending their mail 2nd Class or 2nd Class Signed For, they need to get it dispatched by Wednesday (18 December).
Those using 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For or Royal Mail Tracked 48 have until Friday (20 December) to get their gifts sent on their way.
If you are planning on opting for the Royal Mail Tracked 24 service, you’ve got a bit of grace and have until Saturday (21 December) to send your parcels off.
And if you’re using Special Delivery Guaranteed, you just need to get to the post office by next Monday (23 December) to ensure your presents will arrive in time for Christmas.
You can visit Royal Mail’s website for more information on postal deadlines over the festive season.Featured Image Credit: Steve Taylor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Topics: Christmas, UK News, Community
Olivia Burke
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Published 10:33 1 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Airport warning as travel expert reveals most Brits unaware of new rule being introduced today
These new rules could make a big difference to your airport experience
With the way the weather’s going in the UK, it’s no surprise that Brits are looking to spend their summers abroad.
But with travelling comes the airport experience, part of which is the dreaded security check-in.
And with 83 percent of British travellers unaware of a new travel rule, it’s probably advisable they check ahead before packing.
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This new travel rule could be a game changer. (Getty Stock Image)
The new changes that come into effect as of 1 June mean passengers can carry up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. They can also take their laptops onboard too.
Not every airport will be running on the same schedule, however.
Airports such as Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester have all admitted that they won’t have the new rules in place straight away.
Smaller airports, like Teesside, London City, Birmingham and Newcastle, all have new screening technology in place and are ready to go live with the new rules from day one.
Given that different airports will be operating under different schedules, it’s no wonder that flyers are feeling uncertain.
A survey conducted by AirAdvisor found that 83 percent of people had no idea what the rules around liquids would be at airports over the summer.
Many Brits are hoping to jet off somewhere sunny this summer. (Getty Stock Image)
The new rule only applies to UK airports, meaning that other countries’ rules would apply there – even when boarding a return flight to the UK.
Previously, passengers were only permitted to have liquids of under 100ml in their hand luggage, sealed in a 20cm x 20cm bag.
Anton Radchenko, founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “Considering this rule holds significant importance and will redefine how we travel, people should be aware of it.”
With only a select few airports bringing the new rule into effect on June 1, passengers need to be vigilant about their airport of choice.
Delayed airports like Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester are expected to bring in the new rule in the first few months of 2025.
The AirAdvisor survey also found that 97 percent of respondents didn’t know which airports would be scrapping the 100ml rule over the summer.
New rules about liquid allowances will soon be coming into effect. (Getty Stock Image)
Radchenko said: “If you’re travelling through any of these airports, the old rules will still apply to you even if you’re travelling to/from London City, Newcastle, and Teesside, which have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule.
“Passengers flying on this route must be careful and aware that old rules will still apply this summer. I don’t think airlines are prepared for it.
“Airlines are also to blame for this confusion because they hardly keep their passengers informed with relevant updates.
“Unless airlines communicate proactively with their passengers and inform them that the old hand luggage rules will stand in place this summer, there will be confusion.
“Ideally, they should send SMS [messages], emails, and call alerts to ticket-holders and previous passengers alike.”