'Busiest day' for car breakdowns

The RAC estimates that lack of use over the festive period and wintry weather mean cars are 73% more likely to break down than on a normal work day.

For the last five years, there has been at least a 50% rise in callouts on the first day back after New Year, it says. It has extra patrols out, and urged drivers to take preventative action.

It suggested drivers should:

• Check tyre pressure and examine for signs of wear or damage
• Check oil and water levels and ensure the anti-freeze content of the cooling system is sufficient
• Make sure you are confident using the car's jack and wheel brace and if possible, practise changing the wheel

It is still a bank holiday in Scotland, but drivers elsewhere are warned that conditions could be made more difficult by the weather.

Forecasters are predicting a significant fall in temperatures on Wednesday, with some sleet and snow overnight, especially in the south west of England.

But commuters hoping for a smoother journey to work by rail will also be disappointed if they use the West Coast Mainline.

Engineering work at Rugby which has already overrun by two days is now not expected to be completed until Thursday, affecting passengers travelling between London Euston and Scotland or the north west of England.

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