As festive getaway begins, it should be a happy 'fueltide' for the UK’s motorists
More than 12 million cars* will be taking to the roads this Christmas, with the traditional getaway expected to begin in earnest next Monday (22nd December), according to new data released by the RAC.
With bank holidays falling on weekdays this year, the motoring organisation anticipates an even spread of traffic throughout the Christmas week, peaking on Christmas Day when some 4.6 million cars will be using major routes. The next busiest day will be Christmas Eve, with 4 million cars taking drivers home just in time for a festive break.
It’s also set to be a cheaper getaway this year – with tumbling oil prices leading to a significant reduction in prices at the pumps. For an average 55 litre family petrol car, the cost of filling up is some £8 cheaper now than it was at the start of 2014.
But with a further spell of unsettled weather expected to sweep in time for the annual Christmas road rush, the RAC is urging drivers to plan ahead and make sure their vehicle is in top condition for those all-important journeys to see family and friends.
RAC national operations manager Matt Dallaway said: “December has seen the UK’s weather take on a distinctly unsettled and for some of us wintry flavour, and the signs are that this could continue through the week when many of us will be taking to the roads.
“So the message is for drivers to plan for their journeys ahead of time, and make sure their vehicles are properly winterproof – just some quick, simple checks such as oil, coolant and washer fluid levels, and the condition of tyres and wiper blades can be enough to ensure they stay moving.
“When setting out on journeys, we would recommend motorists check the weather forecast, and make sure they have supplies packed as well as a fully-charged mobile at hand in case an unexpected breakdown does happen.
“Checking the car might not be high on the list of Christmas jobs to get done before 25th December, but a small amount of time spent now could save several hours on the hard shoulder later on.”
Ends
* Figure covers expected traffic car volumes on 24, 25 and 26 December. Research conducted by ragdoll w/c 15/12/14 with 1,027 motorists as respondents; figure extrapolated to 29.1m licensed cars.
Notes to Editors
About RAC
With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring survey, now in its 25th year, provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices visit our Fuel Prices Explained pages – www.rac.co.uk/advice/fuel-prices-explained. Here we detail the average UK price of petrol and diesel and give an indication of which way prices are likely to go – up or down – over the next couple of weeks based on the wholesale price. You can also discover more about the fuel industry, what affects UK fuel prices, how they compare those in Europe, how motorists are taxed and top-tips for better fuel economy.
The RAC supports FairFuelUK campaigning for fairer taxes on petrol and diesel. Show support and find out more at www.fairfueluk.com.
Key facts:
- RAC patrols fix four out of five vehicles at the roadside and on average within 34 minutes
- RAC vans carry more than 500 parts and tools to get members’ vehicles going again
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