M1 on a Friday night
Discussion
OK, I know the answer is "don't" but we have to, so....going from the M25 (Heathrow side) to Derby tomorrow (Friday), late afternoon, would you go M1, or M40/M42? (or another route?)
I used to do it fairly regularly, but in recent years have avoided going up on Friday night because the traffic's so bad, but this time there's no choice.
I used to do it fairly regularly, but in recent years have avoided going up on Friday night because the traffic's so bad, but this time there's no choice.
I'd head for Oxford(ish) then go cross country to Northampton.
I went from Frimley to Luton Airport a few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon. I left Frimley at half two and didn't get to Luton till well after 6.
I think that may have been exceptional, but I'd still avoid it af at all possible.
ETA:- '(ish)'
I went from Frimley to Luton Airport a few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon. I left Frimley at half two and didn't get to Luton till well after 6.
I think that may have been exceptional, but I'd still avoid it af at all possible.
ETA:- '(ish)'
Edited by Big Rod on Thursday 20th November 14:01
I'm working from home tomorrow...M25, M40, A43, M1, A52.
Done this route a few times, you avoid the worst part of the M1 North, this route keeps moving, until you get to M1 junction 23/24/25, which although chokka, still moves.
Would rather stay put until 9.30-10pm though, as it will be plain sailing all the way and you'll still be in Derby for 12 without even risking your licence.
But no good if you have to be there early-mid evening, obviously.
Done this route a few times, you avoid the worst part of the M1 North, this route keeps moving, until you get to M1 junction 23/24/25, which although chokka, still moves.
Would rather stay put until 9.30-10pm though, as it will be plain sailing all the way and you'll still be in Derby for 12 without even risking your licence.
But no good if you have to be there early-mid evening, obviously.
Edited by Balmoral Green on Thursday 20th November 15:02
Decide when you reach the M40.
If M25 straight on is light and no adverse message appears on the gantries, it might be ok to continue to the M1. The M1 roadworks to Luton are nearly finished and nowhere near as bad as they used to be.
If M25 is struggling, hop on to the M40, then leave at J10 and take the A43 to the M1.
Friday afternoon is usually really bad, but I have been surprised a few times and flown through with ease.
If M25 straight on is light and no adverse message appears on the gantries, it might be ok to continue to the M1. The M1 roadworks to Luton are nearly finished and nowhere near as bad as they used to be.
If M25 is struggling, hop on to the M40, then leave at J10 and take the A43 to the M1.
Friday afternoon is usually really bad, but I have been surprised a few times and flown through with ease.
I would do the M40, then A46 around Coventry, M69 and up the m1 to derby. This avoids the M1 roadworks, and the Birmingham/ M42 issue (very slow, then the 2 lane only M42). The A46 is usually clear, and thwere is mnever much of a queue around Coventry. But there is always a speed camera trap ont he last bridge before Coventry.
If you must use the M42 around Bham, then dont stay on the M42 but use the A38 past Burton instead- usually pretty empty, fairly quick if a little bumpy, and you pass Curborough.
If you must use the M42 around Bham, then dont stay on the M42 but use the A38 past Burton instead- usually pretty empty, fairly quick if a little bumpy, and you pass Curborough.
Edited by williamp on Thursday 20th November 15:52
Ok this is a bit of a stupid route but i thought id post it for fun, because i find it a really enjoyable drive. If you time it right there will be very little traffic on the twistier bits, its part of a route i do from West London to places north of Derby sometimes. The whole thing would probably take twice as long as a good run on the motorway but its infinately more engaging (obviously depends on your driving style and vehicle and what you prefer) Probably not a good route if youve got wife/girlfriend/kids with you or waiting for you though.
A355 through Slough and Beaconsfield up to Amersham
A413 from Amersham through Aylesbury and Buckingham up to A43 at Towcester
A5 north from the A43 to its junction with the A444 north of Nuneaton
A444 to Burton upon Trent
A38 to Derby
The A413 and A444 are the best bits of the drive for me personally. Particularly the stretch from Aylesbury to Towcester, you could always do that bit then take the M1 north from the A43 to skip the busy slow rush hour parts of M25/M1.
Know its a bit of a leftfield suggestion but there you go.
A355 through Slough and Beaconsfield up to Amersham
A413 from Amersham through Aylesbury and Buckingham up to A43 at Towcester
A5 north from the A43 to its junction with the A444 north of Nuneaton
A444 to Burton upon Trent
A38 to Derby
The A413 and A444 are the best bits of the drive for me personally. Particularly the stretch from Aylesbury to Towcester, you could always do that bit then take the M1 north from the A43 to skip the busy slow rush hour parts of M25/M1.
Know its a bit of a leftfield suggestion but there you go.
Edited by Magog on Thursday 20th November 16:42
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff