As the Christmas season approaches, drivers are being urged to fill up their fuel tanks ahead of potential forecourt closures and altered opening hours. BBC travel experts advise motorists to check that their vehicles are well-prepared, including having adequate fuel, properly inflated tyres, and fully functioning lights.
With winter weather on the horizon, drivers should also carry a charged phone, snacks, drinks, and warm clothing. Additionally, topping up essentials such as screen wash and de-icer is crucial to stay safe on the road.
While many BP and Shell petrol stations will operate as usual, some garages may reduce their hours over the festive period. Tesco petrol stations will be closed on Christmas Day, and their opening hours may differ from the associated stores on other days. In contrast, Asda petrol stations that offer pay-at-the-pump services will remain open throughout the holiday period. Customers are encouraged to check individual store locators for accurate opening times.
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Sainsbury’s petrol filling stations typically open 30 minutes before and close 30 minutes after the main store; however, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, they open an hour later to accommodate shoppers.
Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, highlights the increased risks during the busy Christmas travel period, stating, “Winter weather combined with heavier traffic raises the chance of accidents. Tools like dash cams and initiatives like Operation SNAP are increasingly vital for road safety.”
Jones notes that although over 232,000 videos have been submitted to the police since 2022, nearly three-quarters of drivers (73%) remain unaware of Operation SNAP. “Dash cams offer crucial evidence and protection during incidents, especially when roads are busiest. However, many drivers do not know how to report unsafe driving they witness.” According to recent research, 21% of drivers have seen dangerous driving but were unsure how to report it, and 29% believe local police should do more to promote such safety initiatives.
Finally, motorway service stations in the UK are required to remain open 24/7 throughout the year, ensuring drivers can access fuel and services anytime and avoid being stranded.