The great Easter getaway: Motorists take to the roads in numbers

03 April 2007
  • Three-quarters of drivers intend to drive over 50 miles this Easter
  • Many expected to extend the Easter weekend break as almost half (47 per cent) plan to take a trip of up to six nights
  • Drivers opt for countryside (49 per cent) and coastal (47 per cent) destinations

For many it's the first opportunity for a substantial break this year and with above average temperatures predicted by the Met Office for the Spring*, it's not surprising that three-quarters (75 per cent) of the nation's drivers intend to head out in the car this Easter travelling over 50 miles to reach their destination.

New research from breakdown cover specialist, Green Flag, shows that two-thirds (68 per cent) of drivers plan to journey outside the region they live in and almost half (47 per cent) will extend the bank holiday and take a break of up to six nights away.

But the study shows the choice of attractions is not the reason why people are leaving their local area. Over half (56 per cent) of drivers surveyed would venture further a field to visit family and friends and over a third (43 per cent) were looking for a refreshing change of scenery.

Surprisingly, it is natural locations attracting visitors, leaving 'man-made' attractions behind. Almost half of drivers surveyed would visit the coast (49 per cent) and the countryside (47 per cent) where as only one-in-ten (ten per cent) would take a trip to a theme park.

Less travelling time (50 per cent), less expense (41 per cent) and a good choice of interesting attractions (41 per cent) were cited as the top three reasons for drivers opting to stay closer to home.

Almost one-in-ten (seven per cent) surveyed by Green Flag will venture outside the UK with the top reasons being a change of scenery for almost half of drivers (44 per cent) and the chance to visit family and friends for a third (33 per cent). A better climate was only the third most popular answer for going abroad for a quarter (28 per cent) of those surveyed.

Worryingly a quarter (24 per cent) admitted they would not carry out any basic maintenance checks before setting off, despite over half of drivers (60 per cent) planning to take a trip of over 70 miles this Easter. Green Flag recommends checking tyre pressure and tread depth and the water and oil levels before heading out on the busy roads.

During the Easter weekend, Green Flag is expecting to receive just under 6,000 calls for assistance per day which is approximately five per cent higher than an average day in April*.

"With so many people planning to head out this Easter, it's important for drivers to plan ahead by checking their cars and planning their routes carefully to avoid any motoring mishaps which could scupper a fun trip," said Philippa Naylor, spokesperson for Green Flag.

Driving on congested roads and long delays is the top factor for putting people off driving to a holiday destination in the UK for two-thirds (66 per cent) of drivers surveyed rather than costs such as petrol or activities.

For more information about Green Flag's research into predicted driving habits over Easter, visit www.greenflag.com

ENDS

Sources:

 *www.metoffice.gov.uk
* Green Flag internal statistics.
Predicted calls for assistance 6 -10 April 2007: average of 5945 per day.
Calls for assistance 28 April-2 May 2006: average of 5717 per day.

Notes to editors

  • Survey sample base: 580, conducted via Tickbox.net 20-26 March 2007.
  • Images are available on email. Contact the press office.
  • Green Flag Motoring Assistance provides roadside rescue and recovery to 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Media calls

For further information contact Philippa Naylor or Nigel Charlesworth at Green Flag on 0113 399 1387/1427 (out of hours 07711 964 615) or email: Public-relations@greenflag.com

Calls may be monitored and / or recorded.