Drivers are being warned of heavy traffic on Kent roads today as people get away for Christmas.

With most schools now on holiday and shoppers heading out for last minute present-buying on top of the usual commuter traffic, major delays are expected.

Traffic analyst, Inrix, has said traffic will begin building at around midday, continuing throughout the afternoon and peaking at around 4pm.

The roads near big shopping centres, including Bluewater and Ashford Designer Outlet, are predicted to be particularly bad.

In a bid to ease congestion, Highways England has removed 98% of roadworks. This does not include major works on the M20 between junction 3 and 5 or the two-lane stretch on the London-bound carriageway between Ashford and Maidstone.

Inrix senior broadcaster James Whalley said: "It's going to be a busy one.

"However, with Christmas coming mid-week, we expect people to stagger journeys so hopefully it won't be quite as bad as it was last year.

"People might be setting off a little earlier now that children are on school holidays, perhaps getting away in the morning, which will lead on to traffic building through the morning and then into the afternoon."

Mr Whalley advises drivers to set off very early or very late to avoid getting stuck in a jam for hours.

He added: "Pack food and drink when heading out on long journeys and be prepared. Check your car levels, especially if you don't make long journeys often.

"The average journey length is more than 200 miles for most people at Christmas, so just make sure you're as prepared as you can be for any delays."

Tomorrow, the roads are set to be much the same, with the worst traffic due between 10am and 4pm, and similar congestion expected up until Christmas Day.

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