December 2008 Car News - GBCarLoans.com

16th December 2008

Credit Crunch Christmas keeps Brits at home

Weather and the recession are expected to keep people off the roads this Christmas predicts the AA. New research shows 65 per cent of people questioned say they will be avoiding travelling and staying at home.

Factors such as the credit crunch and possible icy weather seem to have had an impact upon people's decisions to forego the usual Christmas travel – almost one fifth of people who travelled over Christmas last year have decided to change their plans and stay at home for Christmas 2008.

11% of people are intending to rack up over 100 miles in order to visit friends and family for their festive celebrations
Londoners it seems will be travelling the furthest, with 15% gearing up to travel more than 100 miles over the Christmas period.

59% of people said they would rather stay at home for Christmas than travel to friends or family.
55% of people hope to spend less than an hours travelling time in the car over the Christmas period, only 10% of people will be spending over four hours in the car over the Christmas period compared to 25% in 2007.

The busiest day for driving this christmas will be Monday, 22nd December. Christmas Day will be the quietest day on the roads.

AA Patrol of the year 2008 Andy Taylor, AA Patrol of the Year 2008, shares his tips for travelling over the Christmas period:

"Despite fewer numbers expected to hit the roads over Christmas, winter weather can still prove hazardous. Punctures increase over the winter months when the roads are wet, as water and grime lubricate foreign objects making it easier for them to penetrate the tyres.

"Ensure that you pack essentials for an emergency such as warm clothing and blankets, chocolate, water and a hot drink, de-icer, a torch, first aid kit, tow rope, warning triangle, a map in case of unexpected diversions and a fully charged mobile phone. And always remember to check your car battery – flat batteries are the most common cause for AA call outs."

 

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