Press release -
One in three planning a late August getaway
‘Summery’ might not be the best word used to describe the weather much of Britain has seen this August, but that won’t be stopping nearly nine million of us* from taking a road trip to enjoy the last bank holiday staycation before Christmas, according to figures from the RAC.
Despite forecasts of the month ending in something of a cool, damp squib, plenty of us will be on the roads – not least thanks to the bank holiday falling in the middle of the UK music festival season. It is also likely to be busy around major airports as millions of others jet off abroad to sunnier climes.
The RAC is expecting Saturday and Sunday to be the most hectic days on major motorways and A-roads – meaning smart drivers looking to avoid the crowds and escape for a late summer break will need to get away on Thursday (21st) or Friday (22nd).
RAC roadside operations manager Matt Dallaway says: “With it being the last bank holiday until Christmas and major music festivals happening in Reading, Leeds and elsewhere, we’re expecting this weekend to be a bumper one for traffic. As such we are advising drivers to allow plenty of time for their journeys and to plan for potential delays by stocking up on snacks, refreshments and something to keep the kids entertained in the car.
“For those wanting to try beat the traffic we would recommend setting off either late Thursday or early Friday morning. As always drivers should ensure they do some basic vehicle checks before they travel including tyre pressures, tread, oil, coolant and screen wash and ensure they are ready for any unexpected conditions on the road by travelling with emergency motoring essentials such as a first aid kit, a reflective sign and a fully-charged mobile phone.”
To help plan your journey and keep up to date with traffic conditions, incidents and roadwork, download the RAC App for iPhone or Android, or visit www.rac.co.uk to use RAC Routeplanner. Alternatively, you can use the RAC traffic line by calling 64644 from a mobile phone or 09003 444999 from a landline.
ENDS
* Research for RAC conducted on ragdoll w/c 18/05/13 with 1,034 respondents. 29.1, car owners in UK.
Notes to Editors:
For more information
Pete Williams – RAC press office | 07768 811595 | pete.williams@rac.co.uk
Rod Dennis – Bray Leino | 0117 973 1173 | rdennis@brayleino.co.uk
About RAC
With around seven 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 an average within 37 minutes
- The RAC has more patrols per member than any other breakdown provider
- 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.
