While these figures do not include overnight stays
which are likely to increase traffic volumes still further, they
show half of all the drivers questioned (49%) will be packing up
the car for a day at the seaside or heading out for a look around
a city or to spend time at tourist spot or attraction before the
end of the month.
Among the 28% who said they will be making more
daytrips this August than last the largest percentage (13%) plan
on taking one or two trips which equates to an estimated 6m days
out. Ten per cent say they will make three to five times – or
around 12.4m trips, while 5% will do so six or more times
accounting for some 9.3m trips.
In comparison to the 28% who claim they will have
more days out this month than last August, only a fifth (22%) of
those surveyed said they intend on taking the same number (11%)
or fewer trips (11%) than they did last August, implying that
coronavirus-related fears associated with international travel
are leading to more people making the most of the
UK.
Of those that said they will have the same number of
days out in August 2020, one or two daytrips was the most popular
answer with 8% choosing that option, equating to around 3.7m days
out.
More than a third (38%) – or the equivalent of nearly
12m drivers – who would normally make some daytrips have decided
to do without any this August while 13% said they are not in the
habit of going out in the car for the day in
August.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Our
research shows that August is set to be a massive month for
daytrips as families look to try to make the most of what’s left
of the school holidays and pack in some family fun now the
lockdown has been eased. With forecasters also predicting a
sustained period of hot weather for many southern parts of the
UK, it could well tempt even higher numbers to get out and about
at the last minute.
“Drivers setting out on longer trips should make sure
they check their cars are in good working order. It’s important
to check the oil and coolant levels and that tyres are pumped up
to the correct pressures and have sufficient tread.
“If cars are overdue their services, we strongly
recommend getting them booked in as soon as possible to help
reduce the chances of suffering an unwanted breakdown
mid-journey. We’re also encouraging drivers whose vehicles may
have had their MOT due date extended during the pandemic to get
them booked in well ahead of their new due dates to avoid the
rush likely to occur from October when the first extended MOTs
will need to be carried out.
“Anyone taking a daytrip should also make sure they
travel well prepared just in case the worst happens and they find
themselves broken down at the side of the road. Food and drink
and waterproof coats are a must, as is a fully charged mobile
phone.
“It’s also vital that you don’t travel
without good
breakdown cover. We know from
experience that the work our teams do out on the roads and at
people’s home gives the complete peace of mind needed to enjoy
the freedom vehicles provide.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
* Research conducted on behalf of the RAC among 1,438
adults between 31 July to 5 August 2020. Proportions of those
planning a trip by car extrapolated based on there being
31,104,700 petrol and diesel cars in the UK (source: table
VEH0203, April 2020)
