Up to 25 million motorists could be set to hit the road this August Bank Holiday, Green Flag research reveals

Up to 25 million motorists^[1] could be expected to hit the road this August Bank Holiday weekend, according to new research* from breakdown provider Green Flag, which is encouraging drivers to carry out basic vehicle checks before setting off.

A survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that nearly three quarters (73%^[2]) plan to make at least one journey by car during the long weekend. Almost half (47%) say they will be making shorter journeys, while a third (33%) are planning at least one long-distance drive of more than two hours.

Motorists are also set to cover considerable distances, with those making journeys expecting to travel 100 miles on average. One in three (33%) expect to drive 100 miles or more, while almost one in 10 (9%) anticipate covering between 200 and 299 miles.

The findings suggest Britain's roads could be particularly busy as families, holidaymakers and day-trippers make the most of the final long weekend of summer.

Bank Holiday travel plans

The research also explored when drivers who will be making journeys are planning to travel. Saturday is expected to be the busiest day, with more than a third (37%) of those travelling by car planning to make their longest journey then, equivalent to around 9.2^[3] million motorists. Friday follows (24%), ahead of Sunday (17%) and Bank Holiday Monday (10%).

More than half of those making journeys (51%) expect to travel on motorways, equivalent to around 12.7^[3] million motorists, while 42% anticipate driving on major A roads, equivalent to 10.6^[3] million motorists. Meanwhile, 28% expect to travel on rural roads and one in five (20%) plan to drive on coastal routes.

Visiting friends and family is the most common reason for travelling by car this Bank Holiday, cited by three in ten (30%) of those making journeys. A further 20% are planning a day trip, while 13% will be enjoying a UK staycation or short break. Not everyone will be switching off, however, with 8% saying their longest journey will be work-related, rising to 11% among Gen-Z motorists.

Heavy traffic and congestion ranked as drivers' biggest concern ahead of the long weekend, cited by more than half (52%) of those travelling. Roadworks (34%), road accidents (25%) and vehicle breakdowns (18%) also rank highly, with nearly one in five motorists concerned about experiencing a breakdown while travelling.

Breakdown concerns well founded

Drivers' breakdown concerns are not without reason. Last summer, Green Flag attended more than 3,600^[4] callouts over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 13% more than during the preceding weekend^[4]. Flat or faulty batteries were the leading cause of breakdowns, accounting for one in five (20%) incidents, while clutch-related issues (7%) and engine problems (6%) were also among the most common causes of callouts.

Green Flag's research also found that more than four in ten (43%^[5]) UK drivers surveyed have experienced a breakdown or significant vehicle problem while on a long journey or holiday. Worryingly, 15% have encountered an issue within the last 12 months alone, equivalent to around 5.1^[1] million motorists.

Despite this, many motorists may be overlooking some of the basic vehicle checks that can help prevent breakdowns. While almost two thirds (64%) say they would check their tyre pressures before a long-distance journey, only half (50%) would check their engine oil level. Fewer than half would inspect tyre tread (45%) or check that all lights are working (46%), while just 37% would check coolant levels before setting off.

Worryingly, 4% of motorists say they would not carry out any vehicle checks before a long-distance journey, equivalent to more than one million motorists.

Damon Jowett, Head of Customer Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag, said: "The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, with millions of drivers expected to hit the road to make the most of the long weekend by visiting friends and family, enjoying days out or taking a short staycation."

"With so many people on the move, carrying out a few basic vehicle checks before setting off can help reduce the risk of disruption. Batteries remain the leading cause of Bank Holiday breakdowns, but some issues can often be identified before a journey begins."

"Checking tyre pressures, tread depth and fluid levels only takes a few minutes and can help journeys run more smoothly. Should the unexpected happen, Green Flag's nationwide rescue network is on hand to help motorists get back on the road as quickly as possible."

Green Flag's top tips for Bank Holiday driving

• Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Check that your car is in good condition before setting off, particularly if you're planning a longer journey.
• Check tyre pressures and tread depth. Correctly inflated tyres can improve safety, handling and fuel efficiency, while sufficient tread helps maintain grip on the road.
• Top up essential fluids. Check oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid levels before travelling. 
• Reduce unnecessary weight. Removing items you don't need from your car can improve fuel efficiency and reduce strain on your vehicle.
• Make sure you have enough fuel or battery charge. Avoid unnecessary stops by planning ahead and ensuring your vehicle is ready for the journey. 
• Anticipate traffic and allow extra time for delays. Roads can be particularly busy over the Bank Holiday weekend. Planning ahead, avoiding peak travel times where possible and building extra time into your journey can help make your trip smoother and less stressful.
• Take regular breaks on longer drives. Stopping for a break at least every two hours can help you stay alert and focused behind the wheel.
• Check your breakdown cover is up to date. Ensuring you have the right cover in place can provide peace of mind should the unexpected happen.

ENDS 

References

^{* Research conducted for Green Flag by Censuswide among 2000 UK drivers between 12th – 17th August 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. Figures extrapolated to 34.5m licensed cars for predicted totals [↑]}

^{1. Extrapolation based on the 34.5 million licensed cars in the UK for the 73% of respondents who plan to make a journey this August Bank Holiday weekend [↑]}

^{2. ‘I'll be making shorter journeys by car/vehicle’ and ‘I'll be taking at least one long-distance journey by car/vehicle (2+ hours)’ responses combined [↑]}

^{3. Extrapolation based on the 25 million drivers expected to make a journey this August Bank Holiday weekend [↑]}

^{4. Green Flag internal callout data, August Bank Holiday weekend 2025. [↑]}

^{5. All ‘Yes’ responses combined [↑]}

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About Green Flag

With over 50 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 is part of the Aviva Group.

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