Breakdowns expected to rise by 11 per cent over the May half-term

4 min read
  • Motorway Hotspots expected towards the coast and between major cities – including the M62, M23 and M5
  • Green Flag urges drivers travelling to Taunton, Brighton, Leeds, Birmingham and other half-term hotspots to check their vehicles before setting off

Motorists can expect an 11 per cent increase in breakdowns this half term, as many set off on their spring getaways, according to breakdown provider Green Flag1. The busiest roads are expected to be the ones that lead out to the seaside, with breakdown hotspots expected on the M23 down to Brighton and the M5 towards Taunton. Travel between major cities is also expected to spike, with priority breakdowns, due to the location, expected on the M62 from Manchester to Leeds and the M40 towards Birmingham2.  

Green Flag is urging drivers to be prepared before heading off on a long journey, whether it be on holiday for the week or on day trips. Many would expect the spikes to fall on the weekends on either side of the week off, but data reveals the weekday breakdown spikes can be just as busy as the weekends.

The weekday peaks show the volume of traffic expected from Monday through to Friday, as well as the weekend, so if you are planning on going away and using your car whilst there, prepare for the unexpected. Green Flag recently revealed that a car key-related call out took place every seven minutes in 20243, so consider taking a spare key in case of an emergency. Flat batteries are a major cause of call outs, so if your battery is getting old, you may want to consider purchasing some jump leads (or getting your battery replaced), just to avoid being caught out on your holiday.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, commented: “People up and down the UK will be thinking about what to do during the half term break, whether it be day trips, or heading away for the week with their families. As the weather continues to heat up, we expect the roads to be very busy, with people taking trips to the seaside, visiting friends and family or heading further afield for the week.

“We encourage motorists to think about what they need to do to ensure their car is running smoothly for their trip. It is vital to thoroughly check a vehicle over before setting off and to be prepared in case of a breakdown.”

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

  • Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential issues, including flat tyres or lights that need replacing
  • Check tyres, both for tyre pressure (including the spare) 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 carry water and screen wash with you just in case
  • 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
  • Keep children entertained, both during a long journey and in case you do break down, consider packing travel games, tablets, books and small toys
  • Make sure you have breakdown cover to ensure you are covered in the event of a breakdown situation

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Notes to Editors:

1.      Stats based on internal data weighted to market share, comparing the half term week in May 2024, with the prior month on the same dates.

2.      Heatmap of the UK, with priority breakdowns reviewed against May half term 2024.

3.      Internal Green Flag call out data, 2024, extrapolated to account for share in the UK market. 

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler,

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

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