Drivers in Suffolk have been warned to expect delays on the roads before the Christmas rush as a traffic warning has been issued by the AA.

The amber warning, which has been issued to prepare drivers of forecast congestion, is in place for Friday, December 23 and Boxing Day.

Rail strikes have helped contribute to the high number of cars looking to hit the road this Christmas, with major routes due to carry most of the strain.

The AA is predicting traffic to build between 10am and 6pm on Friday, while the main congestion on Saturday could be felt between 10am and 4pm.

The recent cold snap has caused issues on the roads in Suffolk in the last week, but the temperatures are expected to rise.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: "As people start driving home for Christmas, we are advising those heading out in their cars to be prepared for some congestion, especially on popular routes heading out of London.

"The rail strikes have convinced more people to travel by car this year, and while hundreds of miles of roadworks have been removed to ease the pain, it might not be enough to keep the queues away.

"During the recent snow and icy weather, we attended numerous breakdowns which could have been avoided completely had their car been checked before leaving.

"While tyres and oil levels are common items to tick off the list, ensuring screen wash isn’t frozen and wiper blades are in good condition are just as vital, especially with more grit and dirt being kicked up off the road."