Thirteen million Brits plan to go for UK holiday by car this summer
With disruption to travel and continuing uncertainty surrounding just what will and won’t be possible over the coming months, many families are relying on their car for a summer break
New research from UK-based car servicing company Kwik Fit revealed that only 50 per cent of Brits are going to take a summer holiday this year, despite the Government’s announcement that it was dropping some quarantine requirements. Only 15 per cent of UK adults are heading overseas, while 13.1 million are opting to use their vehicle to get away for a UK break this summer.
The most common reason given by people for deciding to travel by car is that they don’t want to risk infection travelling by plane or other modes of public transport, stated by more than one in four (28 per cent) who will be using their car. Twenty-three per cent think current restrictions placed on air travel and public transport are too much hassle to navigate, while 15 per cent are concerned about flights being cancelled, and 14 per cent say they need to cut costs, so using their vehicle is the most economic option available.
The 13.1 million setting off on UK roads for a domestic break will cover an average of 804 miles – a combined total of 10.6 billion holiday miles. As holidaymakers prepare to load up their vehicles, Kwik Fit is urging drivers to remember their all-important checks ahead of travel. Three million of those using their car to holiday this summer admitted to never carrying out any special checks before hitting the road.
Worryingly, despite the Government ending the automatic extension of MOT expiry dates, fewer than one in five drivers planning a trip with their car validate its MOT ahead of doing so. Not only is the MOT a legal requirement, the test is even more important for those drivers who don’t make their own checks as it can highlight significant safety issues.
South West England, Scotland and Wales are the top three hot spots for UK holidaymakers, with more Brits heading for these destinations than are going on all overseas holidays combined. North West England and Yorkshire and Humber complete the top five UK destinations.