M1 and M25 to experience record number of breakdowns this summer with drivers warned of delays
Friday flagged as main day for breakdowns
PA
Drivers have been warned of a record number of breakdowns taking place on major motorways this summer as UK roads hit their busiest period.
According to a Freedom of Information request, roughly 800,000 breakdowns could take place in the remainder of July and August with the M25 and M1 being flagged as key motorways.
Data by National Highways found that 26,440 breakdowns were recorded every month on major motorways and A roads across June, July, and August last year.
This was an increase from the annual monthly average of 24,236 for the same periods in 2022 and 2021.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
26,440 breakdowns were recorded every month on UK roads
PAFridays reportedly have the most vehicle breakdowns with almost 53,000 incidents taking place on Fridays last year.
Sunday however saw 22 per cent fewer breakdowns than Friday, with 41,305 taking place on English and Welsh roads.
The M1 saw the highest number of breakdowns, with 43,185 happening, an average of five an hour, in 2023.
Between junction 14 and 15 in both directions along the M1 in Milton Keynes experienced 3,602 breakdowns in 2023.
Junction 11 to 12 on the M62 between Warrington and Greater Manchester had 3,340 breakdowns in both directions.
In Wales, the M4 was named the most “breakdown-prone road” with 9,154 taking place last year.
Meanwhile, the M6 saw 41,323 breakdowns in 2023 with the section between junction 14 and 15 at Newcastle under Lyme being particularly prone to incidents.
The M25, which circles London, saw 26,395 breakdowns last year with the M4 experiencing 18,830.
Katie Lomas, managing director of Green Flag, which commissioned the research, explained that major motorways and A roads are busier as people head off on summerholidays and weekend breaks.
She said: “In many cases, a few simple checks that can be carried out at home before setting out, or at a garage when filling up, could prevent a disruptive start to your summer holiday journey.
“In contrast, we tend to see more breakdowns closer to home in winter, as the cold, damp weather sees more cars failing to start.”
To avoid any potential disruption this summer, Lomas suggested that drivers should ensure their tyres are inflated correctly.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Petrol and diesel drivers urged to make 'significant savings each year' with filling station technique
- Older drivers vow to never buy an electric car over belief 'they aren't needed to combat climate change'
- DVLA 'really pushes the boat out' with new personalised number plates ahead of update this week
The M1 experience 43,185 breakdowns last year
GettyLow tyre pressure or pressure that is too high can cause damage and increase wear and tear on tyres, she explained.
Lomas added: “The correct tyre pressures for your car can usually be found on a sticker on the driver’s door frame (when the door is open), inside the fuel filler flap or in the owner’s manual if no sticker is present.”