UK motorways and 'A' roads are set to be busy this summer, as children break up from school and go away for their summer holidays, according to the Highways Agency.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the organisation's national traffic control centre, said routes around airports and ports and those heading to the coast are expected to be especially busy.

"At this time of year a lot of people will be taking journeys they are not familiar with so our advice is to plan your journey well and make sure you check the conditions before you leave," he added.

"We also advise that you give your vehicle a thorough check before any long journey."

Mr Crosthwaite went on to say there are usually a number of unnecessary breakdowns at this time of year, because motorists neglect to give their car a thorough check before heading out on their journey.

Last week, insurance provider Britannia Rescue claimed motorists are increasingly driving when their petrol tanks are almost empty because of rapidly rising fuel costs.