‘Eggs'pect delays - 10 per cent increase in breakdowns ahead of Easter

• Battery related breakdowns top the list of call outs
• Green Flag is offering tips and advice on what to do before setting off this Easter

As motorists across the country gear up for their Easter Bank Holiday weekend, breakdown provider Green Flag is predicting a 10 per cent (9.96 per cent) increase in breakdowns where its mechanics will be called out to provide support¹.

Over 15,000 drivers are ‘eggs’pected to require breakdown assistance as they set off to enjoy the Easter weekend. Green Flag is predicting that 10 breakdowns will occur every minute on UK roads, leaving many with their trip ending before it had even started.  

Battery failures are likely to be the biggest culprit with over 10,000 expected to cause issues – potentially putting the lights out on traditional easter ‘hunts’ and family gatherings, with flat tyres and warning light concerns also high on the list of call outs.

Table one: Most common causes for Easter breakdowns

Source: Green Flag 2025

Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag, commented: “The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on our roads and heavy traffic is inevitable. As Easter falls later this year, we’re expecting our teams to be busier than we’ve seen in previous years and with the warmer weather we are anticipating coastal routes to be problematic for drivers. The last time the Easter weekend falling this late being in 2019.

“To maximise the longer weekend, families will also head overseas, which makes it even more important to be fully prepared and aware of local laws, weather conditions and processes in case of any issues.

“We are urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are road trip ready and to take precautions to avoid the possibility of a breakdown. Making sure to enjoy the trip from start to finish.”

Green Flag tips for a long car journey:

1.      Walk around the car and look for signs of potential issues, including flat tyres or lights that need replacing

2.      Check your tyres, both for tyre pressure (including the spare if you have one) and tyre tread. Tyres do have their own built-in tread wear indicators, but this can also be checked by using a 20 pence coin; if the outer band on the coin is visible when placing the coin in the groove between the treads, it means they’ve worn too low, and the tyres need replacing

3.      Check all fluid levels, making sure to top up if necessary and carry water, oil, and screen wash with you just in case

4.      Make sure you have enough fuel to get you to your destination and back, or plan your fuel stops in advance if you’re going on a longer journey. If you drive an electric vehicle, make sure your car is fully charged before you head off and locate charging points on the route

5.      Make sure your phone battery is topped up prior to your journey and pack a portable charger

6.      Regularly service your vehicle to ensure your car is at tip top condition for driving

7.      Make sure you have the appropriate breakdown cover to ensure you’re covered in the event of a breakdown situation

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

1.      Stats based on internal data weighted to market share. Reviewing breakdown figures comparing the Thursday ahead of the bank holiday weekend on prior week.

2.      Internal claims data based on the number of call outs attended around the Bank Holiday weekend in 2023, which fell in March.

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

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 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