Motorists and passengers are advised to be well prepared for any journeys planned for this weekend and early next week – including taking drinking water. 

Routes to coastal areas, lakes and rivers could be busier as significantly more people try to escape the heat

The Met Office has issued a warning for extreme heat for most of England from Sunday to Tuesday and National Highways is now urging everyone travelling on its roads during the heatwave to take extra precautions as well. 

Drivers considering travelling over the coming days should think carefully before they set off about whether their journey is needed, and do everything they can to ensure they are prepared and to avoid a breakdown: 

• Take a bottle of water before setting out to ensure you stay hydrated 
• Plan and leave plenty of time for journeys 
• Check the weather forecast for your destination 
• Check your vehicle before you leave 
• Check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys. 
• Among its tips for driving in the summer, National Highways says during particularly hot weather, make sure your engine stays within the normal operating temperature range. However, if it begins to overheat, find somewhere safe to stop and allow it to cool down. 

National Highways also has advice pages on its website around travelling in the summer and will continue to provide social media and traffic updates during the coming days. 

Mel Clarke, customer service director for operations at National Highways, said: “It is crucial for everyone to plan their journey in advance, so they are better prepared for the hot weather. 

“Simple steps such as taking bottles of drinking water with you are really important to help keep you and your passengers hydrated, as well as checking your vehicle before you travel, including tyres, oil and coolant levels.” 

The Met Office warning for extreme heat also includes guidance on possible delays on roads and road closures and warns of “significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays”. 

Both National Highways and the RAC are also warning drivers to carry out basic checks to make sure vehicles are roadworthy as the extreme heat is likely to trigger a big increase in number of breakdowns. 

A rise in drivers seeking to cool off in coastal, lake and riverside locations this weekend risks localised traffic queues, increasing the likelihood of vehicles overheating and drivers calling for help.  

And with the Met Office’s red warning for temperatures rising even further early next week, the RAC forecasts the number of drivers needing help on Monday and Tuesday will be 15-20% higher than what’s normal for mid-July – the equivalent of over 1,000 extra breakdowns a day. 

The RAC is urging drivers to be aware of the dangers and to carry an emergency breakdown kit with them. Drivers can also reduce the chances of breaking down by making sure their cars are ready for the high temperatures, including ensuring oil and coolant levels are at the right levels and checking that tyres are free of damage, have plenty of tread and are inflated to the right pressures. 

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis added: “Drivers in vehicles without effective air conditioning should consider delaying any non-essential journeys by car over the next few days until temperatures begin to fall and the Met Office’s weather warning no longer applies or use the car during the coolest parts of the day. This is particularly important advice for vulnerable people, including the very young and elderly, for whom the extremely high temperatures pose a clear health risk. We also want to remind drivers never to leave pets in a hot car, which can prove fatal.” 

And he also warned that at these sorts of temperatures, melting roads are also likely – with blacker patches of tarmac being the most obvious sign.  

“Drivers therefore shouldn’t be surprised to see some gritting trucks out, as spreading a fine granite dust can help improve vehicle grip on softening road surfaces. Drivers also shouldn’t be alarmed if they see water underneath their vehicles, which is normally just condensation coming from the air conditioning unit.” 

For more information about driving in hot weather, visit the National Highways website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/travelling-in-summer/ 

The RAC also lists summer driving tips and how to avoid a breakdown here.