As millions of families across the UK prepare to head off for the Easter Bank Holiday weekends, breakdown cover provider Green Flag is forecasting up to 42,447 breakdowns between Thursday 28^th March and Monday 1^st April. This translates to ten breakdowns every minute over the five days¹, a five per cent increase from the same period in 2023.

Around 18 million Brits² are set to hit the roads this Easter, to make the most of the long weekend, with motorists expected to drive 1.9 billion miles between Thursday and Monday. The average length of a round trip is expected to be 105 miles but a sixth of those taking a trip (2.9 million) will be driving 200 miles or more.

Popular types of Easter trips include driving to see family and friends (21 per cent), driving to airports, ferry terminals or the Eurotunnel to go abroad (12 per cent) and holidaying within the UK (10 per cent).

Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag, commented: “The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on our roads and heavy traffic is inevitable. We’re urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are road trip ready and to take precautions to avoid the possibility of a breakdown.

“Many families also head overseas for the long weekend, so it’s important they make sure they’re fully prepared and aware of local laws, weather conditions and processes in case of any issues.”

Table 1: Regional breakdown of Easter travel

Source: Green Flag

Easy steps for drivers to follow when preparing for a long car journey:

1. Walk around the car and look for signs of potential issues, including flat tyres or lights that need replacing
2. Regularly service your vehicle to ensure your car is at tip top condition for driving
3. 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
4. Check all fluid levels, making sure to top up if necessary and carry water, oil, and screen wash with you just in case
5. Make sure 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. If you drive an electric vehicle, make sure your car is fully charged before you head off and locate charging points on the route
6. Make sure your phone battery is topped up prior to your journey and pack a portable charger
7. Make sure you have the appropriate breakdown cover to ensure you’re covered in the event of a breakdown situation

 

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For further information please contact:

Alice Osborn

Green Flag PR Manager

Email: [email protected]

 

Notes to Editors:

1.       Stats based on internal data weighted to market share.

2.       Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults between 19^th – 22^nd March 2024.

3.       Figures marked with an * have a base below 50 so should be used as indicative only

 

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