Summer is here (at least for a week) and that means motorists up and down the country are taking to the roads to enjoy some well-deserved sunshine.

However, while the clouds may have lifted from many parts of the UK in recent days, new research published by the AA has highlighted the top pet hates of summer driving that bring an end to the sunny disposition of drivers across the UK.

The top ten bugbears for summer drivers in the UK are:

1. People who litter from their car
2. Large groups of cyclists that take up the roads
3. People parking in an inconsiderate manner
4. Slow caravans
5. Loud music blasting out of cars
6. Dawdling motorists
7. Sightseers
8. Tractors
9. Cars overloaded for the summer getaway
10. Large groups of motorcyclists

Commenting on the findings, AA president Edmund King said: "Car litter louts are a needless menace who cost the country millions, spoil our environment and put road workers' lives at risk. There is no excuse for tossing out litter; car occupants should bag it and bin it at home.

"Many of the other most common pet hates concerned other road users slowing drivers down by being lost, slow or indecisive. Drivers need to be more patient in the summer on the roads because anything can happen."

Staying calm at the wheel and not letting these little annoyances get you down is therefore good advice for drivers – doing so will better safeguard all road users and help to make journeys that much more enjoyable, even when the rains undoubtedly return.