The RAC has this week recorded its busiest day for breakdowns on record as the current cold snap continues with ice and some snow in places.
Around 12,000 drivers needed help on December 12, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t see as many people breaking down.
“We believe two key ingredients have combined to create the worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail – a sustained period of cold weather with an absence of widespread snow that would otherwise keep people indoors, and a big rise in the number of drivers who can’t afford to maintain their vehicles as well as they’d like to due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
“Hazardous road conditions are continuing this week following another major refreeze overnight.
“Those who have to use more rural roads that haven’t been gritted will need to exercise great care, delay or even abandon their plans.”