• Four million Brits are planning an official Jubilee street party and a further 3.8 million expect to hold an unofficial party
• This means more than 130,000 roads across the country could be inaccessible
• 834,000 cars are expected to hit the road over the four-day weekend
• Friday 3^rd June is the most popular day for street parties

Unexpected road closures could cause havoc for drivers over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, as one in seven Brits (15 per cent or eight million) are planning a street party, reveals new research¹ from breakdown provider Green Flag.

While an estimated four million people (eight per cent) live on a road hosting an official, council approved street party, another 3.8 million (seven per cent) say their road is planning an unofficial street party. This means nearly half of all street parties held over the long weekend could go ahead without approval from the local council and as a result more roads than expected could be closed.

With nearly 900,000 named streets across the UK², this could result in more than 133,000 roads closing at some point over the long weekend, with 65,000 of these being closed unexpectedly.

Green Flag urges drivers to be mindful of added congestion when planning their journeys over the long weekend. Those heading away may wish to avoid driving on Friday 3^rd June as it is the most popular day for street parties, with over a third (35 per cent) planned, ahead of Saturday 4^th (25 per cent), Thursday 2^nd (15 per cent) and Sunday 5^th (12 per cent).

Overall, 17.9 million Brits (34 per cent) will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month. 13 million (25 per cent) are choosing to celebrate at home and five million (nine per cent) are using the additional bank holiday as an opportunity to get away. Nearly six million (11 per cent) will be working, many of whom are likely to be using the roads over the four days.

Of those travelling, 2.8 million (56 per cent) will be staying in the UK, with the majority (59 per cent) driving to their destination. This will result in a total of 834,000 cars hitting the road over the course of the four-day weekend, approximately one in 40 of all UK registered cars.

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, commented: “The upcoming Jubilee weekend is a great reason to celebrate and get together with neighbours, friends, and family. The extra day off means many of us will be planning trips away to make the most of the four-day weekend.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebrations without any added stress or complications, so we’re urging drivers to check their route for any road closures and be aware of any obstructions or pedestrians that may be in the street. Drivers should make sure they are road trip ready by thoroughly checking their vehicle before setting off, and preparing themselves in case a breakdown does happen.”

Green Flag recommends drivers follow these easy steps when preparing for a long car journey:

• Walk around the car and look for signs of potential issues, including flat tyres or lights that need replacing
• Have a regular service on your vehicle to ensure your car is in tip top condition for driving and ultimately prolonging the car's overall life span
• Check your tyres, both for tyre pressure (including the spare if you have one) and tyre tread. Tyres do have their own built-in tread wear indicators, but this can also be checked by using a 20 pence coin; if the outer band on the coin is visible when placing the coin in the groove between the treads, it means they’ve worn too low, and the tyres need replacing
• Check all fluid levels, making sure to top up if necessary and carrying water, oil, and screen wash with you just in case
• Make sure you have fuel, if you’re driving a petrol or diesel car ensure you have enough fuel to get you to your destination and back, or plan your fuel stops in advance if you’re going on a longer journey that will require you to refuel your vehicle. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, make sure your car is fully charged before you head off, and try and locate charging points on the route so you’re fully prepared for your journey
• Make sure your phone battery is topped up prior to your journey and pack a portable charger. In the event of a breakdown, using an in-car phone charger without the engine running can flatten a car battery in a very short space of time
• Make sure you have breakdown cover to ensure you’re covered in the event of a breakdown situation.

ENDS

Notes to editors

¹ Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults between 29^th April – 3^rd May 2022

² Estimates based on a total of 895,000 named roads across the United Kingdom, with approximately 870,000 situated in Great Britain (courtesy of the Ordnance Survey Open Names database) and approximately 25,000 named streets in Northern Ireland (courtesy of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland’s Place Names gazetteer)

About Green Flag

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com