Drivers not worried about flooding despite Storm Bert
More than half of drivers claim they aren’t worried about flooding in week before Storm Bert hits
Fog and Arctic air weather warning
The AA is warning night-time and early-morning drivers to keep their wits about them as fog becomes likely in some parts of the UK.
AA launches Commercial Use Add-on
Sofa shoppers fuel rise in van miles - AA.
The AA issues consumer warning following scam emails
The AA is warning consumers not to fall foul of a phishing email which claims they have won an emergency car kit.
AA patrol in house fire rescue
“The actions of Davey and the other rescuers are nothing short of heroic”
AA Driving Advice
Amber Rain Warning
(23 September 2024)
AA Pizza Patrol
AA patrol hero gets a pizza the action in wedding rescue
(11 September 2024)
August Heatwave and Thunder
AA issues travel advice with heat and thunder predicted
(09 August 2024)
Summer Getaway 2024
Bumper-to-bumper Summer – AA predicts busy routes and a million breakdowns
(22 July 2024)
EV breakdowns ‘out of charge’ lowest ever last month
The proportion of electric vehicles in the UK running out of charge in June dropped to the lowest ever, according to new AA statistical analysis
(16 July 2024)
AA Late May Bank Holiday 2024
More than half of UK drivers on the road this Bank Holiday predicts The AA
(21 May 2024)
Get a grip – AA urges summer drivers to check tyres
Drivers are being urged to ‘Get a Grip’ and check their tyres before setting out on long trips this summer. AA analysis reveals that tyre-related carnage could kill or badly injure around 180 of them this year.
(15 May 2024)
AA Showcases Concept Recovery Vehicle
Concept recovery vehicle could bridge HGV recruitment gap - The AA
(26 April 2024)
AA Easter Getaway 2024
Easter Saturday expected to be the busiest day of the holiday period on the roads
(25 March 2024)
AA Travel Advice – Snow and ice
With a Met Office Yellow Warning of snow and ice being issued, impacting parts of West Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and some areas of Scotland during today, tomorrow and Friday, The AA is issuing travel advice for drivers.
(7 February 2024)
Four-fifths prefer a spare
Going spare – four out of five drivers would prefer a spare wheel to an inflation kit.
(5 February 2024)
AA Pothole Index October 2023
October 2023 has won the dubious honour of the worst October in history for pothole-related breakdowns, according to the latest AA Pothole Index.
(27 November 2023)
Pothole-related incidents climbing back to pre-pandemic levels
Worst September since 2018 with pothole incidents seeing a 10% rise on the same month last years.
(30 October 2023)
Six years running: The AA receives Which? “Recommended Provider” status
The AA has again received the accolade of Which? Recommended Provider in their 2023 breakdown survey and earned the highest score of the three Which? Recommended Providers.
(23 October 2023)
Pothole update August 2023
August pothole incidents at their highest for five years – AA Pothole Index
(18 September 2023)
August Bank Holiday travel update
Exceptionally busy bank holiday expected in the wake of a summer washout
(24 August 2023)
Red light spells disaster
One third of drivers would ignore a red oil warning light and risk blowing up their engines
(17 August 2023)
Summer getaway 2023
Quarter of a million cars heading for a summer holiday breakdown
(20 July 2023)
Pothole update July 2023
Pothole plague remains at worst for five years
(14 July 2023)
Pothole breakdowns May 2023
Springtime road repairs make barely a dent on plague of potholes
(9 June 2023)
EVs out of charge breakdowns fall
More than 70% drop in electric vehicles out of charge
(7 June 2023)
Make 2023 The Year Of The Pothole
AA attended 1,735 pothole related breakdowns a day in April 2023
(24 May 2023)
Coronation travel update
Major road disruption in London meaning many travellers will stay local
(02 May 2023)
Road to despair – March pothole frenzy
Catch-up operation could take 11 years and cost £14 billion
(14 April 2023)
Easter Getaway 2023
Up to 15 million car trips a day expected over Easter as drivers face wet conditions
(31 March 2023)
Fuel ‘gamblers’ risking fines and penalty points if they run out, warns the AA
Blocking the road or careless driving due to running out of fuel could land drivers in trouble with the police
(20 February 2023)
AA travel advice following first snow warning of 2023
Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year shares tips on staying safe in wintery driving conditions
(13 January 2023)
AA Saves Santa 2022
Breaking down is snow joke, especially when Father Christmas needs help
(23 December 2022)
Amber traffic warning for Christmas 2022
Friday 23 December and Saturday 24 December expected to see 17 million hit the road
(19 December 2022)
Two in five would drive despite red weather warnings
Nearly two-fifths (18%) admitted they would not change their driving plans despite a red weather warning, according to a survey of 13,000 drivers
(5 December 2022)
Two-fifths of people are wound up by clock changes
See and be seen as clocks go back an hour at 2am on Sunday October 30
(30 October 2022)
Amber Traffic Warning for 15 million bank holiday trips
Last hurrah before all UK schools back and final summer trips. Traffic to build on Friday, reach peak at 10:00-16:00 on Saturday
(23 August 2022)
Extreme hot weather alert
Danger of melting roads and potential blowouts
(18 July 2022)
Quiet and expensive May Bank Holiday
Mild weather, rising bills and shorter school term results in fewer weekend getaways
(29 April 2022)
Easter 2022 travel update
Save time and fuel by planning journeys the smart way this Easter
(14 April 2022)
The AA stops to help Dragons’ Den star Sara…she says: “I’m in!”
BBC star leads by example when it comes to keeping safe
(25 March 2022)
Ten thousand drivers broke down on motorways without breakdown cover
1/3rd off membership until 31 January
(25 January 2022)
Reindeer Assistance from the AA
Breakdown cover for Santa
(21 December 2021)
Tales from the road 2021
Patrols share some of their funny and heroic stories from the roadside
(13 December 2021)
Patrols release AA Christmas song to support caring charities
AA Patrol team and co-workers record their own version of a Christmas classic to raise funds for those who support others
(9 December 2021)
AA Patrol clears mountain pass to free stranded drivers
Five-star patrol rescues stranded motorhome and ditched cars from the popular Winnats Pass
(2 December 2021)
Safe place to wait on a motorway
22% who breakdown would stand where a vehicle is likely to be thrown
(2 December 2021)
Five-star AA named Which? Recommended Provider for fourth year running
AA future proofs its operation with more Electric Vehicle specialists than any other provider
(5 November 2021)
The clock is ticking on vehicle maintenance
As the end of daylight-saving time approaches, the AA is warning road users to make sure their vehicles are ready for the winter months ahead.
(30 October 2021)
Bank holiday road trips back to pre-pandemic levels
More than 13 million to hit the holiday trail but 18 million say they will drive at some stage
(23 August 2021)
More than five and a half million cars used Covid MOT extension
A fifth of drivers legally delayed their MOT through coronavirus rules
(9 August 2021)
Keeping cool on the road this summer
Driving when it’s Hot, Hot, Hot and Wet, Wet, Wet
(17 June 2021)
AA reports rise in breakdowns from catalytic converter theft
AA sees reported thefts rise from just 58 to 3,910 in three years
(21 April 2021)
Easter egg hunt for one: Two thirds to stay home this bank holiday weekend
Bank holiday weekend the perfect opportunity for car checks
(1 April 2021)
Freewheeling Hub now helping drivers nationwide
Drivers of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and 4x4s are benefiting from the AA’s game-changing Freewheeling Hub, following nationwide roll-out to patrols.
(15 March 2021)
Return of the school run
Check your car now to avoid a back to school breakdown
(1 March 2021)
That Feeling: Eight in 10 looking forward to UK road trips
More than three quarters of drivers are eagerly anticipating a road trip this year, AA-Yonder research* shows as the countdown to a lockdown-easing roadmap continues
(18 February 2021)
AA calls for Silence, with UK-first e-moto scooter partnership
Urban ecomobility business, Silence, the largest specialist electric vehicle manufacturer in Europe, has appointed the AA to provide breakdown cover for its zero emission models
(28 January 2021)
The AA Freewheeling Hub
AA experts roll-out freewheeling hub to rescue electric vehicles and 4x4s
(28 January 2021)
Idle vehicles still need their MOT
The Government has declared that MOT, servicing and repair centres are an essential service and remain open for business during the third lockdown. However, unlike the first lockdown, MOTs will not be extended
(7 January 2021)
Travel tips for the new year
Despite Tier 4 lockdown restrictions, the main return to work day (Monday 4 January) is predicted to be busy for breakdowns, as many vehicles will have been unused over the festive period
(31 December 2020)
AA Gets Gold in Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme
The AA has again achieved the Gold Award standard in the Armed Forces Covenant ‘Employer Recognition Scheme’
(22 September 2020)
AA bags last minute assist for LFC’s Mohamed Salah
Liverpool Football Club’s star forward Mo Salah was assisted by the AA on the M6 when his Bentley had a puncture last week
(17 September 2020)
Summer Getaway 2020 - AA Advice
The AA is advising drivers to plan ahead and carry out crucial car checks before heading out on a summer getaway.
(23 July 2020)
AA tops Which? research
The AA has come top of the table for breakdown cover for the second year running, in an authoritative survey by consumer champion Which?
(27 June 2020)
Memorable moment for Stevenage patrol
AA Patrol Steve Kimpton had one of the most memorable breakdowns of his career in January when he was called to help a couple on their way to hospital to have a baby.
(21 May 2020)
Free NHS breakdown service continues as lockdown extended
Following the Government’s announcement that the UK lockdown will be extended, the AA is reminding NHS workers that they can still get help if their car breaks down.
(22 April 2020)
Post-Easter breakdowns highest since lockdown began
Following record low traffic over the Easter weekend, the AA experienced its highest peak in breakdowns since the lockdown began on Tuesday.
(16 April 2020)
Free breakdown help for NHS workers during COVID-19 crisis
The AA has launched a free breakdown service for NHS workers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
(2 April 2020)
Smart motorway lanes closed for more than a month due to breakdowns
Vehicles broken down in a live lane on the All Lane Running section of the M3 (J2-4a) have caused more than 945 hours of disruption over a two-year period
(25 February 2020)
AA drives innovation with location technology what3words
(20 December 2019)
AA top of the league for breakdown cover
Britain's drivers have named the AA the UK’s most reliable breakdown cover provider for a second year, in an independent survey of 18,119 motorists by What Car?
(27 November 2019)
17 minutes to spot a live lane breakdown on an All Lane Running motorway
The AA has discovered a report written by Highways England that highlights how long it takes to identify vehicle broken down in a live lane of an All Lane Running (ALR) motorway when Stationery Vehicle Detection (SVD) systems are not in place.
(30 August 2019)
Around 14 million drivers expected on bank holiday leisure journeys
The Great British bank holiday getaway will start from lunchtime on Friday (23 August) as people take advantage of the final weekend of summer
(21 August 2019)
Advice for summer holiday travel
Many drivers skip essential checks before long summer journeys, research shows.
(8 July 2019)
Glastonbury 2019 travel update
Busy week of breakdowns expected at Glastonbury festival with conditions damp underfoot.
(24 June 2019)
Fixing cars and breaking stereotypes
Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day (23 June), we're celebrating the AA patrol women who rescue broken-down drivers every day.
(21 June 2019)
AA comes top of the table for breakdown cover
We've been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status and were top scoring within the ‘fix at roadside’ category.
(13 June 2019)
Future AA Patrols Recognised for Early Success
The first group of apprentices to join an innovative new training programme were recognised at an award ceremony at the AA’s headquarters in Basingstoke last night.
(10 May 2019)
Easter 2019 Travel Advice
With Easter falling late this year, the bank holiday weekend is likely to be busy as families hit the road for a long-awaited break. Bank holiday traffic is expected to peak on Easter Saturday, with most planning to visit friends and family.
(10 April 2019)
AA and Enthuse Group enter joint venture
The AA plc and Enthuse Holdings Ltd have entered into a joint venture partnership in respect of the AA’s Hotels, Hospitality, Publishing and Merchandising businesses.
(1 April 2019)
AA innovation supports hydrogen journey
A hydrogen-powered 1,000-mile journey across the UK has successfully been completed with help from the world’s first portable mini hydrogen dispenser, transported by the AA.
(27 February 2019)
AA and Ford extend roadside assistance relationship in pan-European deal
We have extended our relationship with Ford, the bestselling car manufacturer in the UK in a pan-European deal. This latest contract win continues to establish the AA as the partner of choice for the UK motor industry.
(20 February 2019)
AA wins Lloyds Banking Group roadside assistance contract
The AA is pleased to announce that it has successfully been awarded a new five-year roadside assistance contract with its longstanding partner of more than 18 years, Lloyds Banking Group plc. This firmly positions the AA as B2B partner of choice for roadside assistance.
(7 February 2019)
AA acquires Prestige Fleet Servicing
The AA has successfully completed the acquisition of Prestige Fleet Servicing (Prestige), a profitable and growing technology-led supplier of Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) services to fleet and leasing companies.
(6 February 2019)
AA named best breakdown provider by What Car?
Drivers have named the AA the UK’s most reliable breakdown cover provider in an independent survey of 15,384 motorists by What Car?
(15 January 2019)
New Year's driving resolutions
More than half of AA members would make a New Year’s resolution about driving and a quarter of those will try to drive more economically according to an AA-Populus poll of more than 22,000 members.
(11 January 2019)
New Year travel advice
Wednesday 2 January 2019, the main return to work day, is likely to be one of the busiest days for breakdowns in 2019 as many vehicles will have been unused over the festive period.
(28 December 2018)
One in ten will try to walk more in 2019
One in ten drivers say they will try to walk more next year but there’s little prospect of drivers being ready to give up their cars altogether as 86% still drive more than 20 miles from home at least once a month.
(20 December 2018)
AA extends relationship with Volkswagen Group
The AA has extended its relationship with its largest manufacturing contract, Volkswagen Group, one of the UK’s bestselling car manufacturers. Having worked together since 2014, the latest major deal will mean the two companies will enjoy a 6-year working relationship.
(18 December 2018)
AA team wins Europe-wide customer service award
The AA’s dedicated Volkswagen Group team, based at the AA’s Centre of Excellence in Oldbury, won the gold award for ‘Best Small Contact Centre’ at the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards 2018.
(13 December 2018)
Driving home for Christmas
Almost 19 million drivers will be travelling on main roads and motorways on Friday which is expected to be the busiest day for traffic this holiday period as the Christmas getaway from work and school combines with last minute shopping traffic.
(10 December 2018)
AA launches new roadside patrol apprenticeship programme
The first group of apprentices has begun an innovative new programme to become the next generation of roadside AA patrols and vehicle inspectors. It comes at a time when the Government is encouraging employers to recruit and develop talent through apprenticeships.
(4 December 2018)
New AA technology wins award for user-friendly design
Drivers will be able to report a vehicle breakdown online thanks to new technology from the AA, which has won an award for its user-centric design process – even before it has launched.
(29 November 2018)
Pothole crashes most likely to involve cyclists or bikers
Crashes resulting in injury and caused by a poor road surface are three times more likely to involve a cyclist or biker than all crashes, reveals the AA, as National Road Safety Week shines a light on the dangers faced by those on two wheels.
(19 November 2018)
Drivers in the dark over defective light danger as the clocks go back
Thousands of cars with faulty lights will present a greater hazard on the roads when the dark evening commute returns from Monday 29 October. AA patrols have highlighted that, in this early stage of winter, the plague of vehicles with a defective front or rear light becomes more apparent than ever.
(26 October 2018)
AA leads call for a new 'slow down, move over' rule
Following the death of three roadside technicians in 12 months, the AA and other breakdown organisations, have joined forces to call for enhanced motorway safety rules to protect road users as well as recovery patrols.
(11 October 2018)
Fleet managers frustrated with 'anti-diesel rhetoric'
Businesses believe that diesels have gained an unfair reputation for harmful emissions according to new joint research from the AA and BT Fleet.
(20 September 2018)
Pride of the North: Yorkshire AA Patrols bring home the glory at AA awards
George Flinton from York has been named AA Patrol of the Year and Chris Ross from Leeds, AA Recovery Patrol of the Year for 2018
(11 September 2018)
August Bank Holiday travel advice
A recent AA-Populus survey of 20,082 AA members found that 45% are likely to be on the road during the four-day period, either travelling on holiday or an outing. The Great British bank holiday getaway will start from lunchtime on Friday (24 August) as people take advantage of the final weekend of summer.
(22 August 2018)
AA called to three pets a day locked in vehicles last summer
With temperatures hot enough to soften tarmac, the AA and chocolatier Choccywoccydoodah have joined forces to highlight the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, even for a few minutes.
(26 July 2018)
Councils bet on a mild winter and mere 12% increase in pothole funds
After analysing English councils’ 2018/19 budget submissions to the Government, the AA has uncovered a £3.7 million cut in gritting services.
(20 July 2018)
Learner lessons and driving tests are being abandoned due to potholes
Potholes should be included in the hazard perception test and Highway Code as the plague on UK roads is now negatively affecting learner drivers, according to The AA.
(2 July 2018)
AA unveils rainbow vans in support of Pride in London
Colourful rainbow AA vans have been spotted out on the road across the UK, leading to the revelation that the AA is the latest sponsor of Pride in London.
(18 June 2018)
Which? recommended breakdown providers 2018
The AA has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status for two consumer and three manufacturer categories and was the only provider to get five stars for ‘fix at roadside’.
(26 May 2018)
Roads in worse state than ten years ago
Nine out of 10 drivers say roads are worse now compared to 10 years ago according to our latest study. Comparing conditions more recently, two fifths of drivers rated their local, residential streets as 'poor' in March 2018, compared to only a third of drivers just 12 months before.
(4 May 2018)
It's going to be a busy Easter on the roads
With Easter falling early this year and a longer wait until summer, this bank holiday weekend is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years. Traffic is expected to peak on Easter Saturday, while most plan journeys to visit friends and family.
(26 March 2018)
The beast from the east – six days of snow followed by a blue Monday
Six days of snow and ice has left car insurers staring at a collective bill of £35 million, according to AA estimates, while the AA attended over 108,000 drivers who needed roadside assistance – or digging out of snowdrifts during the big freeze.
(6 March 2018)
How to beat the 'beast from the East'
Met office weather warnings of sub-zero temperatures and snow suggest travel will be a misery from Monday morning, especially for eastern and northern counties of the UK. Both road and rail are likely to be disrupted, making travel difficult.
(26 February 2018)
Investment in local roads maintenance
Only 15% of drivers say that local roads are maintained to a high standard, compared with two thirds who agree that motorways are well maintained.
(26 February 2018)
2017 News
Make it #home4christmasTo help ensure the 13 million drivers taking to the roads get home safely, the FIA Foundation and the AA Trust, together with M&C Saatchi and Mad Ruffian have launched a hard‐hitting anti‐text driving Christmas campaign. #home4christmas
(20 December 2017)
Christmas travel advice
Friday 22 December will be the busiest on the roads this festive season as the get-away from work combines with last minute shopping traffic.
(15 December 2017)
AA calls for life-saving changes to the Highway Code
We've written to Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman MP proposing potentially life-saving changes to the Highway Code in an effort to improve safety on the nation's motorways, following two recent deaths and a series of serious incidents.
(15 December 2017)
New world record for petrol car fuel economy
AA Car Genie telematics data has been used to track a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats and to prove a new world record for fuel economy
(6 December 2017)
Refuge Areas on Smart motorways should be closer together
When breaking down on a Smart motorway without a hard shoulder, a third (32%) of drivers are only prepared to drive up to a quarter of a mile in order to reach an Emergency Refuge Area (ERA) before stopping in a live lane, according to a study by the AA.
(10 October 2017)
Trouble remembering where you parked?
Car Genie, our new connected car technology, is reuniting drivers with their lost and stolen cars
(11 October 2017)
Report highlights alternative fuels investment anxiety
A report jointly commissioned by the AA and BT’s Fleet Solutions reveals business and SME anxiety about the investment required into the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure to support the alternatively fuelled fleets of the future.
(13 September 2017)
August bank holiday travel 2017
15 million leisure journeys expected over a packed weekend of music and leisure events with final festivals of summer.
(24 August 2017)
How to keep track of where you park at summer festivals
In the run-up to the last big outdoor events of the summer we've got parking advice including tips on how to keep track of your car.
(22 August 2017)
Have a break, not a breakdown this summer
With summer storms forecast to coincide with the start of the school holidays, the AA is warning of potential traffic disruption over the next few days.
(20 July 2017)
AA Public Statement
Important information about our AA Shop on-line customers’ personal data
(7 July 2017)
Drivers are avoiding hard shoulders converted to running lanes
Despite all the talk about improving traffic flow and easing congestion by having more lanes, it seems that drivers are voting with their wheels by avoiding converted hard shoulders and clogging up the other lanes/
(29 June 2017)
One Honda Jazz. 844 miles. A world record to beat…
Our patrol of the year and recovery patrol of the year provided the official adjudication and vital support for a Land’s End to John O’Groats world fuel economy record attempt by BBC transport correspondent Paul Clifton and Honda research engineer Fergal McGrath.
(9 June 2017)
Britain's love affair with the car blooms
Eighty per cent of drivers really do enjoy driving and at least half of all drivers will drive to their holiday destination this summer, but the renewed love affair with the car isn't about what's under the bonnet but more about what goes on inside the car.
(2 June 2017)
The plague of potholes isn’t going to be filled anytime soon
According to the 2017 ALARM (Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance) report, one in six local roads won't be fit for purpose in five years' time.
(28 March 2017)
Are drivers avoiding lane 1 on M25 Smart motorway?
Highways England's year two evaluation of the M25 Smart motorway schemes between junctions 5-7 and junctions 23-27 shows a welcome benefit from the schemes but drivers remain nervous and confused.
(21 March 2017)
AA and Think! ask drivers to convert their glovebox to a 'phone box'
Perhaps surprisingly, one in six British drivers still put gloves in their glovebox, according to a recent survey from the AA. This comes at a time when the AA and Think! are encouraging drivers to make the glovebox the phone box.
(3 March 2017)
AA Trust and Think! hit cinemagoers with anti-text driving ad
Since 2011 the number of casualties caused by drivers distracted by their mobile phones has increased by a quarter (24%). The AA Charitable Trust and Think! are raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving with a new ad by adam&eveDDB to be shown in cinemas, video on demand, and online.
(1 March 2017)
Blustery showers and ‘thundersnow’ creating hazardous driving conditions
With harsh winter weather threatening to bring hazardous driving conditions across the UK, the AA is issuing advice to help drivers navigate the roads safely.
(12 January 2017)
One in five drivers would volunteer to fill potholes AA survey finds
One in five (20%) drivers would volunteer to fill in potholes for councils, potentially helping to cut the UK’s huge backlog of road surface repairs. This follows a rural scheme Devon County Council put into action last year.
(6 January 2017)
2016 News
Return to work breakdown bluesThe main return to work day (Tuesday, 3 January) is expected to be one of the busiest of 2017 for car breakdowns, says the AA, as many vehicles get left unused over the festive period.
(30 December 2016)
Christmas drink-drivers – nearly two-thirds deliberately got behind the wheel
Nearly two-thirds of drink-drivers arrested in the run-up to and during the past three Christmases were at least twice over the alcohol limit.
(30 December 2016)
Christmas travel advice - Friday 23 December busiest day for traffic
Friday 23 December will be the busiest on the roads this festive season as Christmas journeys combine with regular commuter traffic and around 12 million drivers hit the roads.
(22 December 2016)
John Snowling – our Patrol of the Year 2016
Norfolk patrol crowned king of the roadside, beating over 2,000 rivals for the coveted Patrol of the Year award.
(16 November 2016)
Nothing smart about ‘deadly’ lay-bys on all-lane running motorways
Eight out of 10 drivers think that removal of hard-shoulders on SMART motorways has made motorways more dangerous than four years ago, while some drivers even refer to the lay-bys on these motorways as ‘death zones’
(26 September 2016)
AA Recovery patrol rescues double-fronted Rover 75 featured in AA TV advert
AA Recovery Patrol Robert Ponter had the surprise of his career last week after attending an unusual callout near the M25 with a unique car.
(22 July 2016)
Car litter louts are biggest summer bugbear for drivers
More than a quarter of drivers (28%) think that people throwing rubbish out of the window is the most annoying habit in the summer, according to a new AA-Populus poll of 21,877 members.
(14 July 2016)
Don't trap vulnerable passengers in the car this summer
The AA rescues on average seven children locked in cars every day and is uging drivers to take care not to accidentally – or deliberately even for a moment – leave people or pets alone in the car this summer.
(14 July 2016)
New AA Multi-fit spare wheel saves hours at the roadside
Thanks to the pothole puncture epidemic and the fact that up to a third of newer cars don’t have a spare, the AA has come up with a unique solution to help drivers.
(28 April 2016)
Nearly three quarters of AA members have swerved to avoid a pothole but only a fifth have ever reported one. This underlines the extent to which these road hazards are under-reported.
(23 March 2016)
AA research shows that traffic may be up on last year with more than 11 million cars taking to the road at some stage this Easter.
(22 March 2016)
Police evidence to Transport Committee confirms AA’s smart motorway safety fears
Evidence submitted by police to the Commons’ Transport Committee confirms long-held AA fears that smart motorways on the cheap are a danger to drivers and their passengers.
(15 February 2016)
All-lane motorway running unnerves drivers despite reports saying ‘safety has not worsened’
Two reports are published today by Highways England looking at the performance of two sections of 'SMART' motorway with all-lane running on the M25 (junctions 23-27 and 5-7). Whilst the reports say “safety has not worsened as a result of the schemes” the AA still has safety concerns.
(28 January 2016)
AA awarded Gold in Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme
The has been recognised by the Defence Secretary as showing an outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. The AA was one of just 15 organisations that received a Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
(15 January 2016)
2015 News
New Year and return to work travel advice
The main return-to-work day (Monday, 4 January) is expected to be one of the busiest of 2016 for car breakdowns, says the AA, as many vehicles get left unused over the festive period.
(31 December 2015)
This Friday (18 December) will be the busiest on the roads as Christmas traffic combines with regular commuter traffic, says AA Roadwatch powered by INRIX.
(16 December 2015)
International road safety award for AA Patrol
An AA patrol has received an international road safety award for a campaign he developed to remind drivers to do a ‘double-take’ for those on two wheels, as failure to look properly increasingly contributes to road accidents.
(2 December 2015)
August Bank Holiday travel update - more than 13 million drivers on bank holiday leisure journeys
The Great British bank holiday getaway will start in earnest from lunchtime on Friday (28 August) as people take advantage of the final weekend of summer, says the AA and traffic data specialist INRIX.
(26 August 2015)
AA awarded Which? Recommended Provider status for tenth year in a row
The AA’s ability to fix vehicles at the roadside has been recognised by the consumer champion Which? in its authoritative survey of breakdown providers.
(20 August 2015)
Max moves into the fast lane as AA's new Patrol of the Year
Max Holdstock from Sunbury has been crowned Patrol of the Year – the AA's top accolade for its roadside patrols across the country – at this year's AA Employee Awards. Max will spend the next 12 months as the ‘public face’ of the company within the motor industry and before the media.
(23 July 2015)
Weather conditions trigger a surge in breakdowns from Cumbria to Cornwall
By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, the hottest July day on record, the AA had attended more than 8,000 breakdowns across the country and was dealing with around 1,000 every hour.
(2 July 2015)
Armed forces corporate covenant - AA reaffirms commitment to the armed forces community
On 22 June, AA executive chairman Bob Mackenzie and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, co-signed the AA’s updated armed forces corporate covenant at the Ministry of Defence, Whitehall, London.
(22 June 2015)
With Easter falling early this year and a longer wait until the summer, it is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years.
(30 March 2015)
Hard shoulder safety - drivers must shoulder responsibility for motorway misuse
With millions of drivers expected to hit the road over the Easter weekend, AA research shows that around a quarter of them have potentially endangered their lives unnecessarily by stopping on the hard shoulder in a non-emergency.
(26 March 2015)
Breaking down on the way to the airport is the most stressful breakdown scenario
Conking out on the way to the airport is the most stressful breakdown scenario, reports the AA, which has updated its popular AA app to let you track the approaching patrol.
(2 March 2015)
AA patrol repairs old Land Rover with a potato
The humble root vegetable came to the rescue when an old 1960s-vintage Land Rover on a farm in Hertfordshire failed to start due to a broken condenser, which is part of the ignition system on older vehicles.
(18 February 2015)
A red X means lane closed - but one in 10 drivers say they would disregard ‘red X’ lane signs
AA analysis of potential driver behaviour on motorways including new all-lane-running motorways with no hard shoulders, but spaced refuge areas shows that around 10% of drivers would seek to take advantage of an empty lane – even if it was closed by a 'red X' to prevent an accident.
(12 February 2015)
Around 70% of drivers haven’t removed tax disc from windscreen
It may have been abolished last October but it seems drivers are in no rush to remove the tax disc from their car’s windscreen, reports the AA. According to an AA-Populus poll of 19,887 AA members*, only a fifth (22% men vs 15% women) have removed the small perforated disc.
(9 February 2015)
Breakdowns surge as temperature drops
Patrols have been rescuing motorists stuck in freezing conditions, following a surge in cold weather-related breakdowns at the start of the week. Members around the UK have experienced flat batteries, frozen door locks, handbrake cables and engine issues.
(20 January 2015)
2014 News
Return to work breakdown blues – Monday 29 December was one of the AA's busiest days
Record low temperatures for 2014 helped make Monday one of the AA’s busiest days for breakdowns in five years with a large jump in call-outs to flat batteries. The main return to work day (Monday, 5 January) is expected to be one of the busiest of 2015 for car breakdowns.
(30 December 2014)
Christmas travel advice 2014 – third of drivers to hit the road today
Friday 19 December is set to be the busiest day of the Christmas period with around 10 million cars taking to the road, either at the start of a week-long Christmas holiday or to get festive preparations into full swing.
(19 December 2014)
Don’t get ‘stocking’ flood water this christmas, says AA and Environment Agency
The AA and the Environment Agency are reminding drivers to stay out of flood water as they head off for Christmas after revealing that last Christmas Eve was the busiest day in the last five years for flood rescues.
(19 December 2014)
12 of the AA's top 20 flooding related breakdown sites are at fords
The Environment Agency and the AA are urging drivers to be #floodaware as AA research shows that all of its top 20 flood rescue spots are in England, with 12 of them located at fords.
(14 November 2014)
Glasgow patrol retires after 48 years having helped more than 87,000 motorists
Wednesday 27 August is the final day at the roadside for the AA's longest-serving patrol, who has rescued more than 86,000 motorists, and driven an estimated 1.4 million miles during the past 48 years.
(27 August 2014)
August Bank Holiday travel – up to 40 per cent of AA members likely to drive this weekend
Cooler and more unsettled conditions will help take some of the sting out of the August bank holiday traffic, says the AA, on what is normally one of the busiest weekends of the year.
(21 August 2014)
University costs: parents feel the pinch
We have seen an increase in parents taking out a personal loan each year to help out their children as the cost of university living continues to rise.
(15 August 2014)
#footballjourneyman Twitter competition to find the super fan with the longest journey
With the new Barclays Premier League season round the corner, the AA Route Planner team has calculated that Newcastle United will top the table of teams who will travel the farthest to see their team play.
(12 August 2014)
Widnes man wins £45,000 Volkswagen California from the AA
The winner of the first AA Summer Saviours Volkswagen California Campervan is Tony Byrnes, 70, from Widnes. He lives with his wife, Marlene, their daughter and granddaughter.
(11 August 2014)
When the AA marks the First World War centenary on Monday 4 August, it will also pay tribute to the AA patrols that fought in the conflict.
(30 July 2014)
Summer getaway – the heat is on for drivers as summer getaway rush starts
This weekend (25-27 July) is predicted to be one of the busiest on the roads this summer as holiday traffic mixes with additional leisure traffic brought on by the warm weather, reports the AA.
(24 July 2014)
Breakdown cover: facts and stats – view the latest infographic from The AA
The AA reflects on the services it has provided as the UK's number one breakdown cover provider for eight years in a row (Which?) - see the current facts and figures about being a member with the AA and how The AA's breakdown cover has really been the 4th emergency service.
(22 July 2014)
Health warnings as UK goes tropical
With temperatures warm enough to soften tarmac coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays in some areas, the AA is warning of traffic disruption over the next few days. Schools in Scotland have already finished for summer with most in England and Wales breaking up either tomorrow or next week.
17 July 2014)
Drivers' worries on long car journeys
Congestion, having an accident and breaking down top the list of drivers’ worries when making a long journey in the UK. A quarter (25%) of drivers said congestion was the thing they worried about most when they had to drive for more then 200 miles.
(16 July 2014)
AA Summer Saviours – patrols get set to support holidaymakers this summer
Almost two thirds of AA members are planning to take a summer holiday this year involving driving a car. To support these drivers and the optimistic third of British drivers who say they always holiday in the UK, rain or shine, the AA is organising a series of special summer events, competitions and offers designed to give motorists their best summer ever – whatever the weather.
(4 June 2014)
AA patrols keep charity dash on the road
The AA is supporting this Friday's Duchenne Dash (6 June 2014), a 24-hour charity bike ride from London to Paris to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ten AA motorbike outriders and a support Land Rover from the AA's flood rescue team will accompany celebrity riders on their gruelling trip.
(3 June 2014)
AA members have the chance to follow in the wheel tracks of motor racing stars like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, from 26 to 29 June. The UK's biggest motoring organisation is a main partner at Goodwood, and will give 10,000 AA members exclusive access to the event.
(29 May 2014)
Easter travel 2014 – likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years
This Easter is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years with mild weather replacing the snow and ice of last year, says the AA and traffic information specialist Trafficmaster.
(9 April 2014)
Flooding signage must be reviewed – too many drivers are ignoring road closure signs
Since 1 December, the AA has attended around 3,200 flood-stricken vehicles and the AA’s flood rescue team, AA Special Operations, is calling for a review of road signage around flooding and warning drivers of the penalties for ignoring them.
(6 February 2014)
Access to data and your car – motoring clubs bid to protect drivers’ privacy and control of data
Motoring organisations across Europe, including the AA, have launched a campaign to prevent real-time electronic data from car on-board systems being abused and any benefits being monopolised and controlled by a small number of businesses.
(22 January 2014)
2013 News
Christmas 2013 travel advice – staggered getaway means fewer jams than recent years
While it may be wet and windy in places, drivers can take consolation that Christmas getaway traffic isn’t expected to be as heavy as normal, says the AA.
(19 December 2013)
Majority of UK drivers would endanger themselves by driving through moving flood water
More than half (54%) of UK drivers would endanger themselves and their vehicles by driving through moving flood water, according to a joint Environment Agency and AA survey. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents would drive through moving flood water deeper than 30cm - enough to move a car.
(27 November 2013)
40 years in Basingstoke – the AA's HQ, Fanum House was opened on 19 November 1973
It’s a familiar landmark to millions of drivers, rail passengers and even helicopter pilots. Fanum House, the Basingstoke Headquarters of the AA, was opened by the Queen 40 years ago today (19 November). The eighteen-storey (274 feet or 83.5m) tower block with its distinctive net of aluminium fins is the second-tallest building in Basingstoke and, in its day, was said to be the tallest building between London and New York.
(19 November 2013)