Road warriors - 6.2 billion miles to be driven this half term

• 22.7 million people are planning a long car journey this half term
• Over six billion miles are set to be driven by those travelling during the February break
• Breakdowns are expected to increase almost a fifth (19 per cent) compared to the previous week
• Green Flag urges drivers to check the roadworthiness of their vehicles before setting off

Motorists are set to drive 6.2 billion miles¹ this half term, reveals new research from breakdown provider Green Flag. Long journeys are on the horizon for two fifths (42 per cent) of the population (22.7 million people), as Brits head off on various journeys to keep the children entertained. The average distance people are set to drive this half term is significant, at 162 miles, the equivalent of driving from London to Sheffield² or from Bath to Chelmsford^3.

Green Flag is urging drivers to prepare before heading off on a long journey, particularly on the days when millions of others also plan to hit the road. The half term is expected to be very busy, with breakdowns expected to increase by 19 per cent³ across the week.  

Two fifths (42 per cent) of Brits are planning to pack up the car for a road trip this half term, with the most popular reasons for travel being to visit friends and family (46 per cent), going to an attraction like a theme park (16 per cent) or going on a UK holiday (10 per cent).  

Table one: Planned road trip destinations over the half term break 

Source: Green Flag, 2025

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, commented: “Families across the country will be looking forward to a half term break after being back to the daily school routine since Christmas. The roads are expected to therefore be busier than usual as many people set off for holidays or day trips.

“We want to make sure families can enjoy the half term without any added stress or complications that can come from breaking down. We’re reminding drivers to check their vehicles are road trip ready before setting out. Many breakdowns are avoidable if the right checks are completed before a trip, but if people do run into issues, it is important to be prepared and have the right supplies in your vehicle including water, snacks and even a warm jacket.”

Green Flag recommends drivers follow these easy steps when preparing for a long car journey:

• Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential issues, including deflated tyres or lights that need replacing.
• Check 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 could mean they are nearly worn to the minimum depth, and you need to get them checked by a professional.
• Check all fluid levels, make sure to top up if necessary and carry water and screen wash with you just in case.
• Make sure your phone battery is topped up prior to your journey and pack a portable charger. In the event of a breakdown, using an in-car phone charger without the engine running can flatten a car battery in a very short space of time.
• Keep children entertained, both during a long journey and in case you do break down, consider packing travel games, tablets, books and small toys.
• Make sure you have breakdown cover to ensure you’re covered in the event of a breakdown.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

1.      Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults between (17^th January – 21^st January 2025)

2.      Google maps journey based on travelling from London to Sheffield, travelling via the A61 and M1 – stating 162 miles.

3.      Google Maps journey based on travelling from Bath to Chelmsford via M4 and M25 – stating 163 miles.

4.      Stats based on internal data weighted to market share.

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