The latest figures reveal that almost half of breakdowns are due to avoidable problems including bad tyres and running out of fuel, that can be avoided with simple checks before travelling.

The organisation has also temporarily lifted more than 300 miles of roadworks for Easter in order to help traffic flow more smoothly during this busy period. Almost 98 per cent of motorways and strategic A roads will be roadworks-free for the bank holiday weekend, thanks to the temporary measures.

Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said: “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. With a few simple checks, many risks can be overcome and everyone will be safer.”

The busy Easter travel period has also prompted UK tyre safety charity TyreSafe to issue similar precautionary advice for motorists, particularly caravan and motorhome drivers. The charity has created an informative video for those drivers using vehicles that normally spend a lot of time off the road.

You can find out more about tyre safety with the Club’s own useful data sheet as well as a host of other useful pre-journey checks.

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND’S CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU TRAVEL:

• Check fuel: Make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
• Check tyres: Prior to setting off on a long or significant journey, check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.
• Check engine oil: Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
• Check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screenwash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
• Check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.