Press release -
16 million to get away as motorists make first big break of 2015
The RAC is advising motorists to plan ahead to dodge the queues this Easter as in total 16 million* are expected to take to the road for the first spring bank holiday of 2015.
The motoring organisation estimates 4 million motorists will be taking to the road on Good Friday to escape for a break, but traffic volumes are expected to peak on Easter Sunday when nearly 4.5 million motorists will be driving – and with the expected heavy traffic comes the risk of jams on some major routes.
“The first spring bank holiday of the year traditionally heralds the start of busier weekends on the nation’s roads,” said RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams. “This Easter is set to be a hectic one with 16 million of us getting behind the wheel for an Easter break, but at least we will benefit from the longer days and lighter evenings to complete our journeys.”
The RAC’s data comes as the Highways Agency announces the lifting of 550 miles of scheduled roadworks across the UK’s strategic road network in time for the Easter break.
Pete Williams continued: “Motorists will welcome the announcement that hundreds of miles of works are being lifted ready for the traditional Easter bank holiday getaway, but they won’t be able to escape them entirely with roadworks and temporary speed restrictions remaining in force in some locations.
“To avoid being the cause of a queue, our advice to motorists is to give their vehicle a quick ‘once over’ before setting off on a long journey. Check things like tyre tread, coolant, oil and screenwash levels, and be sure to carry some emergency motoring essentials such as a first aid kit, a reflective warning sign, and a fully charged mobile phone.
“Finally, we recommend considering starting a journey earlier in the day if the plan is to drive a long distance.”
To help plan a journey, download the free RAC App for iPhone or Android smartphones or visit our route planner, which gives the most up to date road information available including incidents and ongoing roadworks.
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors
*Figure covers expected traffic car volumes on 3 to 6 April 2015 inclusive. Research conducted by Ragdoll in March 2015 with 1,894 motorists as respondents; figure extrapolated to 29.1m licensed cars.
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
- 98% of members would recommend RAC Rescue to their friends and family
RAC press releases, news alerts and a wealth of motoring research is available from www.rac.co.uk/press-centre/.
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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.
