The population of the South and Far South Coasts quadruples at this time of year – and so does the number of vehicles on our roads.

Roads and Maritime Director of Operations Anna Andrews expects today, Friday, December 21 and Thursday, December 27 to be the busiest on the Princes Highway and coast roads.

“Based on the traffic flow information from the last two years, Friday 21 and Thursday 27 December are expected to be the busiest days to travel on our highways and along the coastline,” she said.

Roads and Maritime Director of Southern Region Sam Knight says whether you’re coming from Canberra, Victoria or within NSW, we are encouraging motorists to start planning their journey ahead of time to avoid the peak bumper to bumper traffic.

“We have a series of charts that will highlight holiday traffic hotspots in Nowra, Milton, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, showing days and times to avoid if possible,” Sam says.

While some of the peak days are fairly predictable, motorists may be surprised to learn that leaving early in the morning isn’t always the best option.

Based on delay data from previous years, the peak times to travel in the southern NSW where motorists can expect travel times to increase by up to 60 minutes are:

However, expect delays from now through to the New Year.

“Planning your journey can make a huge difference to the experience, help you stay alert and provide a better holiday experience for everyone travelling,” Ms Andrews said.

You can get help to plan here.

Remember to take breaks.

To find your nearest rest area, Roads and Maritime has an interactive rest area map to search on: rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/using-roads/trip-information/rest-areas/map

Roads and Maritime will be using its traffic management systems to assist with the heavier traffic anticipated around Albion Park Rail, Nowra, Milton, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.

Nowra – Peak days: 27 – 30 December; southbound, up to 30 minute delays between 12 – 6pm.

Milton – Busiest day, Thursday 27 December. Peak days: Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 December Up to 30 minute delays between 12 – 6pm

Thursday 27 – Tuesday 1 January. Up to 20 minute delays between 10 – 3pm

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 January; Up to 40 minute delays between 12 – 6pm

Ulladulla – Peak days: 27 – 31 December, 1 – 3 January; Northbound, Thursday 28 – Thursday 3 January. Up to 30 minute delays between 10 – 3pm

Southbound, Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 December, Up to 20 minute delays between 10 – 3pm

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 January, Up to 30 minute delays between 10 – 6pm

Batemans Bay

Peak days, 27 – 30 December, Eastbound, Thursday 27, Up to 60 minute delays between 3 – 6pm

Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 December, Up to 40 minute delays between 10 – 3pm.

Princes Highway at Albion Park Rail will expect up to 45 minute traffic delays from Friday 21 December to Wednesday 2 January.

“Early work has started on the Albion Park Rail Bypass and Batemans Bay Bridge which will provide faster and safer travel in the future,” Sam says.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

When you take a flight, you know when your flight leaves, when you check in and when you arrive. That planning can help make your road journey run more smoothly. Plan your stops and know your rest stops.

Do you know the most likely places – and times – where you might get stuck? There may be alternative roads that will help you get to where you’re going faster or with less disruption.

There may be some unavoidable works on roads over the holidays. Don’t be caught off guard. Live Traffic is the best source of up to the minute traffic updates around NSW. If there has been an incident, it’s the best way to find out. Check out livetraffic.com or call132 701. There is also an app for most smartphones.

If you use the big motorways and highways for everyday travel, know the peak times that holidaymakers will be passing through to help you avoid the queues by visiting rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys

Bring some water bottles, snacks, games for the kids and be patient on the road. Many incidents during the holiday break are caused by driver frustration and fatigue.