Anyone planning to hit the sales following this Boxing Day and beyond should be prepared for heavy traffic and the likelihood they could face delays, so it pays for people to be prepared for all the festive season has to throw at them.

With this in mind, the Highways Agency has published a range of tips to help travellers reach their destinations with as little stress as possible over the coming weeks, with a focus on the measures motorists can employ to avoid breakdowns and stay safe.

Stephen Bush, emergency planning manager at the Highways Agency, commented: "At this time of the year many parts of the road network can become very busy. This, combined with wintry weather, can cause delays to your journey.

"That's why we advise road users to keep themselves informed by listening to local radio stations, checking the weather forecast and, if you are going to a major retail centre, by checking out their website in advance."

Other advice from the agency includes taking the time to give one's vehicle a thorough inspection before heading out on to the roads, with a focus on ensuring tyres are properly inflated and free from excessive wear and tear, as well as topping up engine fluids and anti-freeze levels.

Finally, drivers should remember to pack an emergency kit in case the worse does happen and they suffer a breakdown. This should include such essentials as a blanket to keep vehicle occupants warm while waiting for recovery, as well as a charged mobile phone to call for help, a torch with batteries, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel and bottled water.

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This story was posted by MileageCount, the mileage capture and fleet management experts. Every Mile Counts.