Fuel for thought as motorists head off on Easter getaway

CCTV of a car with no fuel on a motorway

Drivers in the North West are being encouraged to fill up before setting off for their Easter holidays after the latest figures revealed that 108 people run out of fuel in the region every month.

Highways England is reminding drivers to check their vehicles ahead of long journeys after statistics showed that almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks.

Nearly a quarter of breakdowns are caused by tyre problems and in the North West almost 1,300 breakdowns in 2015 were due to lack of fuel.

Highways England is lifting more than 300 miles of roadworks to improve journeys for millions of people travelling this Easter holiday.

Traffic officers and project teams will also be at Sandbach Services from Monday 10 April, Lymm Services from Tuesday 18 April and Keele Services from Monday 24 April to provide tips to drivers to avoid breakdowns.

Almost 98 per cent of motorways and major A roads will be roadworks-free over the bank holiday, meaning motorists and their passengers can enjoy journeys with as little disruption as possible.

Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan said: “I want all drivers to arrive at their destinations safely. We are removing almost all of our roadworks across the country to make people’s journeys easier this Easter, and we are urging drivers to make sure they are ready by checking their fuel, tyres, and lights.

“Anyone who runs out of fuel is putting themselves and other road users, including their own passengers at risk. With a few simple checks, that risk can be overcome and everyone will be safer.”