Advice for drivers to prepare for longer journeys this Spring
National Highways has launched the next wave of its T.R.I.P. campaign, highlighting the real-world consequences that can occur when basic vehicle checks are overlooked.
The T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to plan their journey in advance, including carrying out all necessary vehicle checks as well as factoring in rest stops before they set off on any long or significant journey this Spring.
More than half (53%) of UK driving licence holders say they have broken down on a major road before, yet 17% admit they don’t always carry out vehicle safety checks before setting off.
With breakdowns on major roads rising from 70,287 in spring 2024 to 71,254 during the same period in 2025, National Highways says the consequences of skipping T.R.I.P. checks are very real.
The acronym TRIP stands for:
- Top-up – fuel, water and oil;
- Rest – every two hours;
- Inspect – tyres and lights and
- Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the traffic and weather forecasts.
The latest campaign wave aims to reduce the number of breakdowns, helping keep the Strategic Road Network moving, saving costs, and making journeys safer for everyone.
A stakeholder toolkit is available for local authorities to download and use.
