how busy is the m6 at 6am?

[trafficdodger]

I need to make a trip tomorrow from Preston to Coventry to pick up an elderly relative who can't get the train, and then straight back to Preston. I want to avoid traffic as much as possible and need to be back to Preston for 3ish as I don't have anyone to do the after school run, only the morning one. Is 6 am a good time to leave here or will I get a lot of traffic? What's the best time in the morning to avoid it please. Thank you

In all honesty I’d leave at 9 as you’ll miss all the traffic and then still be back for 3. I drive from Northampton to Preston regularly!!

@Matilda1981 oh ok thank you, I could do then.
i could go after school with the kids in the back, but thought the traffic would be worse in the evening, think I'd rather get it over whilst they're at school.

I think you'd risk hitting Cov at rush hour. If you want to do an early start and you don't mind using the M6 toll, I'd aim to do the toll section between 8am and 9am, so you're getting to Cov as it quietens. You might want to check what time you'd pass Manchester as well because that's another busy area

I wouldn't leave Preston at 6am if I could avoid it.
You'd be hitting what I presume is the busiest part (10 down to 6) during rush hour (well, hours - it lasts a lot longer than 1 hour).

@123ZYX i don't mind using the toll, i think about 7 id pass Manchester.
@BBQPete thanks, noted. what time do you think would be best to set off?

There’s no way that I’d wait until 9am to leave, as you risk getting stuck if there are hold ups in the afternoon.

We live close to the M6 in south Cheshire, and commute to/from Warrington, and that section is notorious for hold ups, esp Fridays afternoons.

Set off as early as you can, use the M6 toll, and then you can be heading back late morning/early afternoon.

@BBQPete

Not if she uses the M6 toll. It will allow her to bypass the Birmingham section around morning rush hour.

Also make sure to allow time for a decent break half way, each way, and when you arrive. There's a limit to how long your concentration can last

@123ZYX thank you.