New research from Dick Lovett has identified the British roads drivers can expect to be the most congested this year.

The research, which scraped and analysed data from the Department for Transport’s ‘Road Traffic Statistics’ found the roads in the UK which have seen the biggest increase in traffic in recent years (2021-2023), revealing that the A54 – the road linking Chester and Buxton – has seen the largest increase in traffic, up 367%. 

Whether your trip is long or short, most of us will hit an A-road at some point, and Dick Lovett’s research found that these were actually the ones with the biggest increase in traffic in recent years. Similarly, our research found that these UK A-roads with the biggest increase in traffic – therefore, the most at risk of Christmas congestion – were all in England. 

The A54 is in both urban and steep rural areas, which presents a challenge to the council in maintaining its safety. 

Following the A54, Dick Lovett’s research reveals drivers taking the A456 road this winter could expect to see the second-most congestion, with this road seeing a 357% increase in traffic in recent years. The A456 runs between Birmingham and Shropshire. 

The third-most congested road was found to be the A39, with a 308% increase in traffic. The A39 is an A road in southwest England. 

Other top contenders include the A682 – which runs from Burnley to Long Preston – with a 276% increase in traffic. In fact, the A682 has been regarded as “England’s most dangerous road” in the past due to the number of injuries and accidents – particularly with motorcycles.

While Dick Lovett’s research found that all the roads with the biggest percentage increase in traffic in recent years were A roads, they were also able to identify the M roads (motorways) that could be the most congested this year based on their historic traffic increase. 

The research found that the M9 – a motorway in Scotland that runs from the outskirts of Edinburgh to Dunblane – is the motorway with the biggest increase in traffic, up 82%. 

Following the M9 was the M4 – running from west London to southwest Wales – with a 69% increase in traffic in the Welsh part of the road, meaning drivers taking this road in 2025 could expect some additional congestion. 

Similarly, the part of the M4 in England has seen a 60% increase in traffic, meaning it could be the third-most congested motorway this Christmas. 

Dick Lovett’s 5 top tips for preparing for winter congestion

While congestion can’t be helped – especially at this time of the year, there are plenty of things drivers can do to ensure they’re prepared and safe in case of any congestion when driving this winter.

Always keep an emergency kit in your boot

While preparing for congestion might seem like a bad omen, it’s crucial to ensure your safety during winter travels. Everything from long traffic jams to diversions from accidents or breaking down can be agonising in the winter. Keeping an emergency kit for drivers, or keeping your own personalised bag of emergency supplies will give you peace of mind. Just a couple of useful things you can keep in your emergency kit include:

• A power bank for your phone
• Warning triangle in case of breakdowns
• Non-perishable food
• Water
• Torches
• Thermal blanket or clothing
• High vis vest

Make your car visible and easy to see in all conditions 

Congestion means you might be at a standstill for an unknown amount of time. While it may be easy for you to see the drivers directly in front of you when you’ve been in the congestion for a while, for those further behind, you might not be as visible. As such, it’s crucial to ensure that your car remains visible at all times. If you’re at the back of the queue, popping your hazards on to warn drivers of what’s coming up can be helpful.

Check your tyres 

There’s always a cause for congestion, whether that’s a road closure or a skidded car. But whatever the reason, you want to make sure you’re not the cause of it. A vital part of winter driving preparation is ensuring that our tyres are in a suitable condition. Before setting off, you should check your tyres for cuts, bulges, or any other damage. 

While the legal limit for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, it’s recommended to change your tyres once they reach around 3mm. This is especially important to check when travelling in the unpredictable Scottish winter as any extra tread depth will help to better disperse any snow or water.

Get to know your car’s brakes

Before setting off this winter, re-familiarise yourself with your car’s braking system. If you know the sensitivity or heaviness of how your car’s brakes operate, you will have a much better reaction time when it comes to stopping in any unforeseen congestion.

Fill up, charge up 

It may be tempting to avoid a busy petrol station in a bid to ‘beat’ the traffic, but congestion in winter can be unpredictable, so try to fill up the day before you’re set to travel. Not only will this save you time on your travel day, but it also reduces your risk of running out of fuel if you do hit traffic. 

If you’re an electric car driver, it’s vital to plan accordingly and ensure that you’re accounting for charging times within your trip. Extreme weather (both hot and cold) can cause EV charger ranges to decrease by around 10% to 30%, so it’s important to account for this when planning. 

Always aim to refill well before your fuel warning light comes on in the winter. For those with EVs, charge your car overnight before you set off to ensure there’s plenty of range for your winter road trip. As always, plan ahead to account for extra fuel stops or charges on your route just in case they’re necessary. 

Running out of fuel or charge could result in a minimum of a £100 fine and three penalty points for obstructing the road in an avoidable breakdown. 

Fuel prices edged up slightly throughout December, closing out the year with modest increases for both petrol and diesel. But with new renewable obligations taking effect in January, will 2025 start with further price hikes?

December Fuel Trends: Modest Increases

Unleaded petrol rose from 135.6 pence per litre (ppl) at the start of December to 136.4ppl by the month’s end. Diesel followed suit, increasing from 141.6ppl to 142.7ppl on average.

Supermarkets continued to offer the lowest prices, with Asda leading the pack for both unleaded and diesel. Morrison’s kept its increases minimal, raising unleaded prices by just 0.5ppl, solidifying its position as the second most affordable supermarket for fuel. By December 31, supermarket averages sat at 134.2ppl for unleaded and 140.4ppl for diesel.

Crude Oil Stability Points to Steady Pump Prices

Crude oil prices remained relatively consistent throughout December, trading between $71 and $74.75 per barrel. Combined with November’s similarly stable range of $71 to $76, this suggests a continued period of stability for pump prices heading into early 2025.

Interestingly, in the final days of December (27th–29th), more petrol stations reduced prices than increased them, with the majority holding steady. While Brent crude closed the month near its high at $74.72, the overall trend suggests that fuel prices may have reached a temporary ceiling.

Impact of Renewable Obligations

Starting 1st January 2025, the proportion of renewable fuel required in both unleaded (E10) and diesel (B7) will increase. Although the fuel itself won’t change, meeting these obligations will slightly raise wholesale prices to fuel retailers.

This change is expected to add between 0.30ppl and 0.40ppl to the wholesale cost of both fuels, which could translate to higher pump prices. While this is a modest increase, it’s something drivers should be aware of as they fill up in the new year.

What to Expect in Early 2025

With crude oil prices stable and fuel costs already near their peak, early January is likely to see steady prices for both grades. However, the added cost of renewable obligations may prevent significant drops. Local competition will play a key role in determining whether these costs are absorbed by retailers or passed on to consumers.

To find the best deals near you, remember to check the PetrolPrices app. With price comparisons and more updates than any other platform, it’s the easiest way to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.

Smart Car Chargers

It is every driver’s nightmare to be stranded in your car with an uncharged phone. Ease your worries by purchasing a smart car charger, with models available for every kind of device. Options include wireless charging mounts (which allows for hands-free use of your phone) and USB converter ports that let you charge your phone no matter the ports available in your car.

Wireless CarPlay Adapters

Eliminate the need for cluttered cables with a wireless adapter that lets you access your smartphone from your car’s entertainment dashboard. You can use a range of features, from music players to navigation, all without the need for a tangle of wires encroaching on your driving space. This is our favourite: Compatible with Cars from 2016 & iPhone iOS 10+

High Performance Floor Mats

Get your car prepared for all weather with high performance floor mats. Look for mats that offer custom measurements to ensure a correct fit and choose from a range of materials, including rubber and carpet. Install the mats in your car to protect from mud, pet hair, and food or drink spillages.

Smart Car Alarms

Like countless other technologies, car alarms have become smart. Prevent theft with a smart car alarm, which you can link to your smartphone for remote monitoring of your car. Some models even have GPS features, to give you peace of mind about your car’s location.

Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers

Let your car carry more by installing a roof rack or cargo carrier. A roof rack lets you hold large items – like bicycles, surf boards, or boxes – on the roof to free up boot space. Alternatively, a cargo carrier lets you store smaller items in a lockable box that attaches to the outside of your vehicle. Either choice will free up space inside your car for a more comfortable driving experience.

Significant shifts occurred in the automotive industry during 2024. As we move towards a more digitised world and technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate, the industry has embraced technological advancement. Meanwhile, concerns over climate change are heightened, and several manufacturers have turned to the development of more sustainable models and methods. Furthermore, customer preferences have changed, and consumers expect more from their car than it just being a way to travel from A to B. These days, cars need to offer more than just an enjoyable driving experience. There has certainly a lot for the industry to consider this year: read on for a breakdown of the key auto industry trends of 2024.

From sustainability to micromobility, it’s been quite the year for the automotive industry! These trends may continue to be the focus in the new year, but we are likely to face a whole new set of developments too. Let’s see what 2025 brings.

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Many modern cars can collect and transmit data about the driver to external parties using integrated internet connection and technology – but are car owners aware that they can do so? Uswitch car insurance recently conducted research to understand how knowledgeable car owners are about their vehicle’s data collection and sharing practices. 

Car data insights drivers are unaware of: 

Despite over half (57%) of UK car owners confidently believing they understand what data cars can collect, the research suggested they are not well-informed. Less than a third (28%) admitted to reading the terms and conditions or data agreements around their car’s data collection capabilities, and under a quarter (22%) researched this aspect before buying their vehicle.

Car owners lack awareness of key data points that most modern cars collect:

• The vast majority (72%) of car owners were in the dark about some cars collecting data around driving schedules – for example, how frequently or what times the car is used.
• Over two-thirds (67%) were also unaware that cars could collect data around their usage of connected features, such as GPS, car dashboard or multimedia screen and infotainment systems.
• Additionally, over half of respondents didn’t know that some cars can collect data on speed (54%) and route history (53%).
• Over two-fifths (44%) also didn’t realise that the current location of the car can be tracked and stored.

The most obvious organisation who have access to the data collected by cars is the manufacturer / brand, however two thirds (66%) of respondents didn’t realise this. Car manufacturers can use the insights collected for a variety of reasons, such as safety improvements, risk management and quality assurance. Car owners were most comfortable (63%) with their data being used to make safety improvements.

Although some data uses could benefit drivers, privacy concerns arise through reports that car manufacturers share, or sell the data with third parties[2]. It’s not always clear who these third parties are (although it may be stipulated in the terms and conditions or data agreement). This could include insurers, which could impact drivers due to the data being used to adjust premiums[3], yet almost two-thirds (61%) of car owners were unaware of this. 

Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, outlines how car owners can protect their data:

Understand what data your car is collecting:

It’s important to be aware of what data your car collects and who that data is shared with, so you can make informed decisions when driving or using certain features. You can do this by reading the terms and conditions or data agreement associated with your car. If you’re still unsure, you could even contact your car manufacturer directly. Some brands will provide information about what personal data they hold about you if you file a privacy request.

Limit data collection features:

While certain sensors and systems that collect data are essential for your car’s functionality, there are some features you can turn off for privacy protection. For example, if you don’t need the GPS on routine journeys, turn it off. If you’re concerned about your car collecting data from your phone, don’t connect to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth. However, ensure you weigh up the pros and cons of disabling features. For instance, having your phone connected could be important in an emergency. Instead, you could decline access to certain elements, such as your contacts or text messages.

Use associated apps with caution:

Installing mobile apps associated with your car can be a gateway to information stored on your phone, giving car manufacturers or third parties access to even more personal data. To limit this, you can check and alter the app permissions, for example, deny it access to your microphone or camera. You can also ask the app not to track, preventing it from tracking you across other apps and websites. There should also be data sharing options in the app’s settings, where you can opt out of sharing your data with third parties.”

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As the festive season descends and the weather gets colder, we’re spending more weekends in front of the TV, with 86% of Brits watching up to 20 Christmas films or shows in December.

And whether they’re driving home for Christmas, or enjoying singalongs to festive car tunes, a huge amount of festive films and shows include iconic scenes on four wheels – from Gavin & Stacey Christmas specials, to Home Alone.

One in five (21%) Brits see The McCallisters’ race to the airport in Home Alone as the most iconic car scene of all time, with Hugh Grant’s Prime Ministerial ride with the Nativity octopus in Love Actually (16%) coming in close second, tied with the Weasley family’s flying Ford Anglia scene in Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets (16%).

But have you ever wondered how much the cars from these iconic movie moments are actually worth today?

Interestingly, when surveyed only 5% of Brits said they’d price Daniel’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE in Bridget Jones’s Diary as more than £100,000 today. Meanwhile, only 15% accurately predicted that The Weasleys’ 1960 Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets would be valued between £5,000 and £10,000.

Despite being some of the most recognisable festive cars, most people have no idea what the wheels from their favourite scenes could be worth. And this extends to the cars sitting on our own driveways – car owners have potentially thousands of pounds of value in their car without even knowing it.

Curious about your car’s current value? Get a free, instant valuation on Motorway now or keep an eye on the value of your wheels by using Motorway’s Car Value Tracker.

Valuations based on similar cars that have been valued via the Motorway platform.
According to a survey by OnePoll of 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place between 25th to 28th October 2024.

After a month of gradual increases, drivers are wondering if December will bring stability to fuel prices. In November, both unleaded and diesel prices rose, but the rate of increase was slow during the period.

November Recap: Prices on the Rise

Unleaded petrol started November at an average of 134.74 pence per litre (ppl) and ended the month at 135.66ppl—a modest increase of just under 1ppl. Diesel followed a similar trend, beginning at 139.65ppl and climbing to 141.61ppl by the end of the month.

Brent crude oil, the key ingredient in refining unleaded and diesel, fluctuated between $71 and $76 per barrel throughout November. It hit a low of $71.05 mid-month before rising sharply to $75.17 on 22nd November, then settling back to just under $72 to close the month.

Currency fluctuations also played a role, as the US dollar (USD) strengthened against the British pound (GBP), moving from $1.29 to $1.26. A weaker pound typically raises fuel prices when oil is priced in USD, though the declining cost of crude oil partly offset this effect.

What’s Ahead for December?

With crude oil prices dropping again and the GBP recovering slightly since late November, there’s little reason to expect wholesale costs to drive further pump price increases in the short term. Wholesale markets have been stable, and any changes at the pump will likely depend on local competition and retailer strategies as the year ends.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently highlighted that retailer margins remain higher than historic levels. This indicates that while wholesale prices are stable, some pump prices may not fully reflect these trends, further underlining the importance of shopping around for the best deal.

What Can Drivers Do?

For now, fuel prices are expected to remain relatively flat, with a chance of small decreases in some areas. Drivers can take proactive steps to save:

By staying informed and engaged, drivers can collectively help drive competition and reduce fuel costs for everyone. Every small action, like reporting prices or sharing insights, makes a big difference.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns over persistently high fuel margins, revealing that UK motorists still pay more at the pump than necessary. Despite falling fuel prices since July, a lack of competition in the retail sector is leaving drivers out of pocket, according to the CMA’s interim monitoring report published on 28th November 2024.

Fuel Margins Remain High

According to the CMA figures, retailer fuel margins – the difference between the price they pay for fuel and what they charge customers – have remained above historical levels. Supermarket margins rose from 7.0% in April to 8.1% in August, while non-supermarket margins climbed even higher, from 7.8% to 10.2%. These figures suggest weakened competition, keeping pump prices elevated despite decreases in wholesale costs.

Falling Prices, But Not Enough

Between June and October 2024, average fuel prices dropped by 10 pence per litre (ppl) for petrol and 10.4ppl for diesel. By the end of October, drivers were paying 134.4ppl for petrol and 139.7ppl for diesel. However, retail spreads – the difference between wholesale costs and pump prices – remain well above the typical range of 5–10ppl, averaging 14.9ppl for petrol and 16.3ppl for diesel.

The CMA attributes these high spreads to ongoing challenges in market competition rather than temporary fluctuations in wholesale prices.

Relief on the Horizon?

1. Fuel Price Monitoring Function
Starting next year, a new system will track fuel prices and scrutinise retailer pricing practices to promote competition and help keep costs down.

2. ‘Fuel Finder’ Scheme
A government-backed real-time fuel price comparison tool is set to launch by the end of 2025. This system will empower drivers to locate the cheapest prices via navigation apps, in-car devices, and websites like PetrolPrices.com.

Relevant Insurance Documents

Whilst we would not recommend keeping all your car’s documents in the glove compartment due to risk of theft, it is handy to keep a paper copy of your insurance information in your vehicle. Best stored in a plastic wallet for weatherproofing, keep insurance information – including your policy number, breakdown details, and provider contact details – to hand to save you hassle in the event of a breakdown. Some providers have apps where your membership details can be saved, so consider downloading your provider’s app if available.

Torch

A torch is a lifesaver if you break down at night or need to make a repair to the underside of your car. To ensure your torch works when needed, purchase either a wind-up torch, or an LED model with a long-lasting battery life. Pack a couple of extra batteries in your car to be on the safe side. For only £3.50 this LED one is a great stocking filler.

Relevant Insurance Documents

Keep a first aid kit with basic supplies so that you are prepared for any kind of incident. A basic list to build your fist aid kit would include plasters, disinfecting wipes, bandages, and pain relief medication. It is also a good idea to store a couple of doses of any prescribed medicine that you take, just in case you unexpectedly need to stay away from home for a night or two. If you do have a medical condition, keep details of this in your first aid kit for medical personnel to easily access in an emergency. Here’s our favourite.

Blankets & Warm Clothing

Particularly during colder months, store blankets and spare warm clothing in your car. Even some summer nights can turn chilly, so don’t be caught out without extra layers in case of a breakdown. Blankets will also be welcomed by passengers on night trips and can save your car upholstery from muddy paws, should you take your dog with you on your journey. This waterproof find is a good option. 

Paper Maps

Whilst we usually rely on satellite navigation or our phones to direct us, there are occasions when these digital helpers can fail, and we need to use a paper map. Keep a UK roadmap in the car and you will have a tool to fall back on should your phone battery expire or your sat nav give up on you. 

The Met Office has predicted snow in November across the UK, and while the snowy weather might make for extra cosy nights curled up on the sofa, it can be particularly harsh on our vehicles. As the weather gets colder and wetter, our brakes, in particular, can become more susceptible to damage like rust or freezing. 

In the colder, wetter seasons, drivers should check their brakes more frequently to ensure their car has optimum braking power on wet or icy road surfaces. 

However, new research from Dick Lovett can reveal that a whopping 3 in 10 (30%) drivers admit to not performing safety checks on their car’s brakes. That’s the equivalent of over 12.4 MILLION* drivers at additional risk of potentially life-threatening brake malfunctions. 

And while most modern cars will be fitted with sensors to warn you when something isn’t quite right or needs to be replaced in your brake system, technology can fail, so it’s vital drivers carry out thorough safety checks on their brakes ahead of the winter weather. Or have a professional check them over. 

As such, to help drivers remain as safe and prepared as possible for winter brake malfunctions, the experts at Dick Lovett have pulled together the 8 steps drivers should take if their brakes fail. See below: 

Statistics from a Dick Lovett survey of 1,000 British drivers (aged 18+) between 21st and 24th Oct 2024 conducted by 3Gem.