Millions of motorists could be at risk of being impacted by broken down vehicles, as new data shows which motorways see the most incidents.
The M25 sees the most vehicle breakdowns every year, with an estimated 238 vehicles breaking down every mile across the year.
More than 27,300 incidents were reported in 2024, with experts pointing out that the M25 is worthy of its "Road to Hell" nickname.
The 117-mile stretch of motorway is one of the most popular motorways in the UK, with four of the five busiest road sections being on the M25.
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The M25 was found to have the highest number of car breakdowns per mile
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Between 195,000 and 209,000 vehicles use the M25 (J14-15, J16-15, J13-14 and J12-13) every day, according to 2023 data from the Department for Transport.
While the M1 saw more incidents reported in 2024, with 40,454, because of its size, only placed in third based on the number of breakdowns per mile.
Britain's first full-length motorway was first introduced in 1959 and did not include any speed limits, crash barriers or lights when it first opened.
According to the AA, the first year saw just 20,000 motorists use the M1 every day, although this has grown to around 140,000 a day nowadays.
Experts have called on drivers to ensure they are prepared in the event of a vehicle breakdown
PAThe M23 saw 224 breakdowns per mile, while the M27 and the M32 also placed in the top five motorways for the most reported breakdowns.
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: "There are several reasons why breakdowns can be more common on certain routes, such as poor maintenance, the type of traffic that uses them, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
"If you plan to travel on a road that’s known for breakdowns, make sure you’re ready for any potential issues and be especially careful when using the road."
He advised that drivers should keep key items in their cars, such as a torch, a first aid kit and a tyre repair kit, just in case their car breaks down.
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The expert stated that if someone's car breaks down on the motorway, they should turn off at the nearest exit or pull over to the hard shoulder.
Banks added: "If your car breaks down on a smart motorway, try to get off the road as soon as you can. Put your hazards on and turn off at the next junction, service station, or refuge area, then call for help as normal.
"If you can’t make it or stop in an active lane, move as far to the left as you can, but only leave the car if you’re next to the verge. Otherwise, keep your hazards and seatbelt on, then call 999 straightaway."
The English motorway with the least amount of vehicle breakdowns last year was the A329M. It reported just 81 incidents, meaning there were 20 incidents per mile.
The A329(M) saw the fewest breakdowns per mile in 2024
GOOGLE MAPS
English motorways with the most reported breakdowns per mile
M25 - 238
M23 - 224
M1 - 202
M27 - 200
M32 - 243
English motorways with the least reported breakdowns per mile
A329M - 20
M45 - 21
M48 - 22
A3M - 26
M181 - 36
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