ROADS across Britain will today be heaving with 2.8million more cars as families make a last-minute Christmas dash on what has been dubbed "Frantic Friday".

Drivers have been warned to expect queues of at least 90 minutes on some major routes - on what is the busiest day of driving before December 25.

The M6, M42 and M40 are set to see the biggest delays.

Worst affected is expected to be the southbound M40 between the M42 in Warwickshire and Junction 8A at Oxford.

Here, drivers have been told to add at least 1.5 hours onto their normal journey time.

And major roadworks including on the M6, M4, M20, M1 and A14 could further jeopardise travel plans for millions.

Yesterday, delays of three hours were predicted by the RAC between Junction 15 and Junction 25 northbound on the M6.

But boxing Day is set to be the busiest day in the festive period - with 6.8million cars hitting the roads for leisure trips.

The following day will see 4.4million cars as families return home before the school term begins again.

According to the RAC, it's essential for drivers to prepare their cars for long journeys, as any breakdowns could cause even further disruptions.

The RAC's Mark Souster said: “It’s vitally important every driver planning a trip gives their car a once over to make sure it’s up to the job, as a single breakdown can bring some roads to a grinding halt, slowing down the Christmas getaway for all of us."

“A few moments spent checking things like fuel, oil, coolant and screenwash levels and the condition and pressure of tyres could make the difference between a stress-free journey and one plagued by a breakdown."

Weather disruption is likely to make things even worse as persistent rain and gales are forecast.

There are 24 flood warnings in place for the days around Christmas following the heavy rain this week which left the ground saturated.

The Met Office forecaster said: “All the heavy showers are mulling around an area of low pressure, and there is more where that came from.

"There will be more low-pressure systems and more weather fronts, which will bring heavy rain.”