Jingle all the way home: a third of brits set to travel on UK roads this christmas during the five-day travel window

• New research by Green Flag has revealed that one in three Brits (36 per cent) are planning to travel on UK roads this Christmas
• A third of Brits (35 per cent) set to change their regular travel plans as a result of pandemic with a 23 per cent increase in the number who plan to travel by      car this year
• Brits will travel on average 64 miles this Christmas, with Manchunians those most likely to travel
• One in six (16 per cent) Brits are planning to spend Christmas with a grandparent
• UK drivers have used their cars on average 18 per cent less of the time in 2020 than they did in 2019
• With garages likely to be closed for the majority of the festive season, Green Flag has released winter driving tips to help motorists on their travels

Ahead of the five-day travel window over Christmas, new research* by breakdown expert, Green Flag, has revealed that UK roads are set to look different this Christmas as a result of the pandemic, with a third of Brits (35 per cent) set to change their regular travel plans this year. Concern about the virus has prompted a 23 per cent increase in the number of Brits who plan to travel by car this year, with fewer taking public transport.

As a result of the travel window, Green Flag is expecting nine breakdowns per minute during the five-day period. Wednesday 23^rd December - the first of the five-day Christmas window – is expected to be the busiest day on UK roads as Brits (24 per cent) waste no time flocking home. Brits are set to make the most of the easing of the restrictions with most people travelling back on the 27^th December (22 per cent), the last day of the travel window.

Interestingly,  around a third of Brits (31 per cent) admit they plan to travel outside of the official travel window this Christmas.

While the overwhelming reason for those choosing not to travel on UK roads this Christmas is to help control the virus (40 per cent) it isn’t the only factor that is stopping Brits from spending time with their families and friends this Christmas.

One in six Brits (16 per cent) are choosing to spend the holidays apart as the whole family is too big to be all together under the latest rules so will be spending the festive period separately to avoid having to pick and choose.

However, that sentimentality isn’t shared by the whole nation; a tenth of Brits (11 per cent) confess they prefer to spend Christmas without their family this year, with over one million Brits (three per cent) going as far as to admit that they won't be travelling on UK roads this Christmas as they actually dislike spending time with their family!  

On average, Brits will travel 64 miles this Christmas, with people from the East Midlands set to rack up the most miles (79 miles) on average. Meanwhile, after facing stricter levels of lockdown throughout much of the pandemic, it is Manchunians who top the list of those most likely to travel this Christmas. Four out of ten people (44 per cent) living in Manchester are planning to be on the move to visit family and friends. Bristol (42 per cent), Nottingham (41 per cent) and London (40 per cent) follow closely behind.    

Following a year that has been dominated by lockdown, the research also revealed that UK drivers have used their cars on average 18 per cent less of the time in 2020 than they did in 2019.

Leaving a vehicle to sit idle for long periods of time, especially during the winter months, can lead to a number of complications. During the first lockdown, over 60 per cent of Green Flag’s callouts were for battery-related issues. Cars are designed to be driven regularly and the components rely on regular use to stay in tip-top condition. 

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, commented: "After a year dominated by lockdown restrictions, it will come as no surprise that people are looking to take advantage of the travel window to spend time with their loved ones this Christmas. However, with many of us using our cars less this year combined with winter and the fact that garages could be closed throughout the travel window, it is more important than ever for motorists to make sure their vehicles are ready for one of the most important journeys this year.

“There are some simple steps you can take to ensure the vehicle is ready for your next essential journey such as maintaining tyre pressure, listening out for issues with your brakes, looking after your battery and topping up necessary vehicle fluids.

“Although Green Flag will be there 24/7 to rescue you and your Christmas journey - no-one wants to breakdown, especially in the cold dark winter months and especially not on the way to spend Christmas with those closest to you - so please follow the simple steps, please keep safe and please have a merry Christmas.”

With garages likely to be closed for the majority of the festive season, Green Flag has released winter driving tips to help motorists on their travels. Green Flag will remain ready to help 24/7 throughout the festive period.

Green Flag's top tips for keeping your car healthy through winter:

1. Look after your battery – start your vehicle once a week and let it run for 20 minutes, remembering to turn off features such as lights and wipers, this will keep the battery's power reserved for the most important components. If your car is electric, it’s best to leave your battery between 45-55% charged, if you know you won’t be using it for a long period of time. Then just charge it fully before you use it again. Important that you do not leave your vehicle unattended during the process.
2. Be mindful of your brakes – with less use, corrosion can build up between the brake pads and discs, making them stick. Moving the car backwards and forwards at least once a week should prevent this happening.
3. Keep the tyre pressure up - maintaining your tyres air pressure will keep them in good shape. If you don’t have your own pressure gauge and pump, you may consider buying one. If not, when you next drive your car, take it to a garage forecourt and inflate the tyres where necessary. If you need new tyres, find the exact ones your vehicle needs at Green Flag Tyres
4. Fuel your vehicle - the fuller a car is with fuel when it’s left, the better. The more fuel a car has, the less air there is. With a fuller tank, there’s also less chance of condensation building up.
5. Air con – The air conditioning in most new cars uses the coolant that flows through it to lubricate its seals. If the air con goes unused for a period, those seals can dry out and cause leaks. When you start your car to charge the battery, make sure the air con is switched on too.
6. Vehicle fluids – ensure all vehicle's fluids are topped up with the correct formula. Liquids can thicken in the colder weather, reducing their effectiveness.

If driving in snowy conditions isn’t avoidable, Green Flag has shared it’s top five supplies drivers should carry, in case their vehicle breaks down this winter:

1. Reflective jacket
2. Phone
3. Boots and a warm coat
4. Waterproof trousers
5. Blanket, food and water

For further information, see Green Flag’s expert advice on essential snow supplies - https://blog.greenflag.com/2018/expert-advice-snow-set-to-carry/

- ENDS –

Notes to Editors:

*Research conducted on 2,000 Bits, December, 2020, by Censuswide.

About Green Flag:

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com