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GREAT XMAS GETAWAY

Families face travel misery as more than 10m cars set to hit roads and strikes to disrupt train journeys in Christmas chaos

FAMILIES were yesterday warned to expect travel misery over Christmas.

More than 10million people will be on the roads and engineering works and strikes could hit train journeys.

 Crowded . . . London's Euston
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Crowded . . . London's EustonCredit: London News Pictures

There will be roadworks on the M1, M5 near Droitwich and M6 near Crewe.

More than 200 improvements are planned by Network Rail. London’s Paddington Station shuts for six days from today for work on Crossrail.

Strikes will again hit Southern and Gatwick Express services over the New Year. Around 3.5million people set off yesterday, crowding roads, railways and airports. Travel may be worsened by the weather, with 90mph gusts and heavy rain as Storm Conor hits.

 Jam . . . A14 near Cambridge
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Jam . . . A14 near CambridgeCredit: GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Yellow Met Office wind warnings have been issued for northern England and southern Scotland.

The RAC’s Pete Williams said: “Strong winds and heavy rain have increased the risk of travellers being stranded for Christmas.

“We’ve increased patrols for Christmas Day due to expected disruption.”

 Queue . . . Heathrow terminal 5
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Queue . . . Heathrow terminal 5Credit: London News Pictures

Councils are on alert to set up respite centres in community buildings.

A Met Office spokesman added: “With the amber warning in place be careful of high-sided vehicles and winds and take care travelling in difficult driving conditions.”

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