ROAD watchdogs expected the Christmas rush to start today as millions of motorists began the festive getaway.

Experts at the AA predicted more than 18 million cars would take to the road at some point over the Christmas break.

While dozens of sets of roadworks will be removed for Christmas, drivers could still face delays on major routes all over the country.

"The run-up to Christmas Eve and New Year are always our busiest days for traffic," says Graham Webb, AA Roadwatch manager.

"Many people will be finishing work early and heading off to see friends and relatives, or making for the shopping centres for last-minute presents."

The AA includes the A64 between York and Leeds and the A63 out of Hull on its list of potential traffic hot-spots.

To help travellers, the Highways Agency is suspending most roadworks for Christmas. "Only essential work will continue with speed restrictions remaining in place at some locations," said chief executive Tim Matthews. "The Tinsley Viaduct work on junction 34 of the M1 has been suspended. But there are still some roadworks going on. Try to travel early, and avoid major routes like the A1, the M1 and the M62."

There will be no maintenance work at the Ouse Bridge junction of the M62, but there will be a contraflow taking eastbound traffic on to the westbound carriageway.

For those staying closer to home, getting last-minute Christmas shopping done need not be a nightmare, according to the AA.

A spokesman said: "If you can get up bright and early to be at the shops bang on nine you might avoid the crowds, or if you fancy chancing a mid-afternoon trip, shoppers have often burned themselves out and gone home by then.

"Rain may also put off people with non-essential shopping to do."

Do not fall into the trap of thinking a trip out of town will evade the crowds: large malls like the Trafford and Metro Centres, at Manchester and Gateshead, will be even busier than York, and so will cities like Leeds and Liverpool - even after you've braved the congested roads around York.

Back in the city itself, the council is trying to minimise disruption from roadworks.

Updated: 12:14 Thursday, December 19, 2002