Press release -
1-in-3 hitting the road for half-term holiday
More than nine million motorists are taking to the roads with friends and family next week to make the most of the half term holidays – despite heavy rain and the risk of localised flooding.
Research from the RAC shows a third (31%) of motorists will be using their cars to get away during the last school break before Christmas.
The RAC has been equally preparing for the extra holiday traffic and has issued warnings to motorists travelling in torrential rain and floods.
Flood alerts have already been issued across a number of popular destinations for motorists, including the Lake District, South Wales and the rural parts of the Midlands**.
RAC roadside operations manager Matt Dallaway said: “Motorists across the UK are used to packing up the boot of the car and heading off on their ‘staycations’ no matter what the weather is doing.
“We are seeing such larger traffic volumes this half term as it’s the last one before the festive period and people will want to enjoy some time off before this with their family and friends.
“With some severe weather predicted, potentially including some localised flooding, we recommend drivers plan their journeys carefully and allow plenty of time to get to their destination.
“While most holiday makers do set about preparing their vehicles and routes in plenty of time, we often see an increase in the number of breakdowns from people who perhaps haven’t taken the chance to do a few simple checks to prepare their car.
“Motorists are urged to check vehicle’s oil, coolant and windscreen wash levels and tyres and use services such as the RAC’s traffic line to help you make good decisions about any necessary alternative routes ahead of time.”
To help plan your journey visit www.rac.co.uk to use the RAC Route Plannerand get the latest traffic news. You can also download the free RAC Traffic app which gives the most up to date road information available including incidents and on-going roadworks.
Alternatively, you can use the RAC traffic line by calling 64644 from a mobile phone or 09003 444999 from a landline.
This provides:
- Traffic information for any road in Great Britain
- Traffic information for the local area, with the added benefit of detecting your current position from your mobile phone
- A five-day weather forecast
The RAC recommends that you use its traffic line 64644 to plan your journey before you depart. Always remember to park safely before using the 64644 service, or use a suitable hands-free device.
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Notes to Editors
About the RAC
First formed in 1897, the RAC has been looking after the needs of its members and championing the interests of drivers for more than 120 years.
Today it has more than eight million members and 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 drivers at a national level. This includes voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring, particularly the price of fuel and the high level of tax levied on it, advancing levels of road safety, and supporting the needs of all drivers, from young to old.
The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – is one of a kind and provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch. It provides a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump - and tracks these prices daily to help drivers check if the price they pay to fill up is a fair one.
