Vehicle breakdowns up 12% in England in 2023

New data from National Highways has revealed that vehicle breakdowns on England’s motorways and A-roads rose 12% in 2023.

It recorded 274,596 breakdowns in 2023, up from 243,578 in 2022 and 229,576 five years ago.

Roadside assistance and vehicle recovery provider Green Flag attributes the steady increase in part to an aging car parc, revealing that while only six per cent of cars break down in their first year, 14% of six-year-old cars will break down every year, 20% of nine-year-old cars, and 25% of 11-year-old cars.

Vehicle breakdowns up 12%

National Highways’ data also found that breakdowns on motorways and A-roads peak over June, July and August as drivers head off on summer holidays. An average of 24,881 breakdowns a month took place across June, July and August in 2023, compared to the average across the whole year of 22,883.

Katie Lomas, managing director of Green Flag, said:

“With breakdowns on the rise, drivers should keep up regular maintenance to help reduce the risk of issues, however old their vehicle may be.”