Car breakdowns expected to spike on back-to-work Monday

Monday is set to be the worst day for car breakdowns as motorists attempt to restart vehicles left idle over Christmas.

The RAC revealed that it has dealt with more than 10,000 call-outs on the first Monday of the year since 2012.

In 2015 this was the busiest day of the year for the motoring organisation, which reported that flat batteries were responsible for over a quarter of incidents.

RAC patrol of the year Ben Wilson said: "Despite the unseasonably mild weather our patrols are still gearing up for what is normally the busiest breakdown day of the year as millions begrudgingly head back to work on Monday having enjoyed an extended festive break only to find their car is not up to the task.

"But it really doesn't have to be that way. All people need to do is make sure they take their cars for a good run this weekend. That way they will revive the battery or have time to sort the problem out."

The AA will have extra patrols on duty on Monday as it expects to attend up to 15,000 call-outs - nearly a fifth more than normal.

It commissioned a poll of more than 29,500 drivers which found that almost a third of households will rely on using a car for the first day back at work that has been left unused during the holidays.