22 July 2024
The AA is predicting a bumper-to-bumper summer, with millions of drivers scheduled to head to Britain’s coast in the hope of a traditional seaside holiday, meanwhile congestion is expected at the port of Dover and Eurotunnel as drivers plan to head across The Channel for their holiday.
With most holiday lets allowing customers access to their accommodation from 16.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, The AA is advising drivers to allow extra time when travelling to and from their getaway. According to a poll last week, more than half of drivers (56%*) have had their holiday spoiled by heavy traffic when heading to their destination.
As well as longer vacations, millions are planning smaller scale weekend escapes and days out to theme parks, beaches, forests and areas of outstanding natural beauty. In August, drivers heading on holiday will also mix with football fans as the Premier League, Football League and Non-League fixtures kick-off a new season.
Keep your wheels turning
Last summer, The AA attended around 400,000 breakdowns, including 18,000 suffering a failure on a motorway. Furthermore, a fifth of those couldn’t even start their journey, requiring assistance at home.
With the weather trying to change course and shine through, the UK’s number one breakdown provider** believes that number could reach a million as people make a last minute decision to take a break.
“Heading on holiday can be very exciting but can quickly become a nightmare”
Analysis of breakdown data across last summer and the two Bank Holidays so far show that many could have been avoided with the top three breakdowns caused by tyres, the 12 volt battery and engine problems.
Eight out of 10 (81%) of drivers say they check the condition of their tyres before setting off, but many forget to check their spare wheel. Last summer, tens of thousands of drivers who suffered a tyre breakdown didn’t even realise that they didn’t have a spare wheel until The AA arrived.
A trap for fuels?
Meanwhile, nine out of 10 drivers (90%) say they always make sure they have a full tank before setting off on their journey, The AA attended over a thousand incidents of drivers who ran out of fuel last summer.
One factor behind this avoidable breakdown may be the high price of petrol and diesel at motorway service stations. Retailers charge a premium for fuel as they hope to capitalise on the convenience of their location, but The AA Fuel Price Report shows that filling up along major summer routes can vary by up to £16.50 a tank.
Rather than fall into the trap of paying more for fuel, drivers should identify a number of fuel stations before setting off so they can plan their coffee breaks while also protecting their bank balance.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “Heading on holiday can be very exciting but can quickly become a nightmare, with heavy traffic, bored kids, and stressed out drivers. “Motorways can quickly become clogged is due to breakdowns caused by tyre and fuel issues.
“Our patrols attend lots of avoidable call outs during the summer, particularly running out of fuel. Checking the basics before heading off, and knowing where you can fill up enroute could save you the cost and inconvenience of an interrupted holiday.”
* Yonder received 9,839 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 8th to 16th July 2024 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.