Millions of Britons face traffic carnage tomorrow with 18 vehicle breakdowns expected every minute

It comes as vehicles around the country have been left dormant over the Christmas break after a period of consistent use.

With millions of drivers heading back to work tomorrow, January 2, experts are warning that roads could become gridlocked with broken-down vehicles.

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The dramatic increase in breakdowns is set to create significant disruption during the first working day of the new year, with breakdown services preparing for an exceptionally busy day.

Data from Green Flag anticipates that 18 cars every minute will require assistance throughout the day.

This unprecedented level of demand means breakdown teams across the country will need to respond to a vehicle in distress approximately every three seconds.

Mechanics across the Green Flag network are preparing to tackle a range of common issues, including flat batteries, punctured tyres and vehicles failing to start.

Many vehicles will have been left stationary for up to two weeks while their owners enjoyed the festive season.

This extended period of inactivity is a key factor behind the traditional spike in callouts that Green Flag experienced on January 2.

The combination of cold weather and prolonged vehicle inactivity during the Christmas break typically leads to a significant increase in breakdown incidents.

Green Flag's Managing Director Katie Lomas has urged motorists to take preventative action before they head out to work or school.

She said: "That first working day back post the festive break can be hectic as many people start their vehicles for the first time in a couple of weeks."

Lomas noted that many people would be dealing with car issues after not using them for a few weeks, as well as the busy roads.

There are fears that the same could be seen on Monday, January 6, when millions of Britons will be back to a standard routine at work.

The RAC has also warned that January 6 will see "flat battery blues" hit millions of drivers, with battery issues representing the biggest reason for breakdowns.

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It also pointed to the longer holiday period leading to a rise in non-starts. Experts have consistently called on households with multiple vehicles to use both over the holidays when seeing friends or family.

Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson said: "The first working day after Christmas is typically the busiest of the year for our patrols attending drivers suffering the 'flat battery blues'.

"The first day back at work after the Christmas break is often bad enough, but it can be thoroughly depressing if nothing happens when you go to start the ignition. Cars left unused over the holidays, such as second vehicles left parked up, are often a breakdown statistic waiting to happen."