Warning to millions of M25 drivers as motorway estimated to have 238 breakdowns each mile

The M25 was reported to have had 27,300 incidents in 2024 alone

14:34, 05 Jun 2025

The M25 has been found to be one of the most dangerous motorways in the UK for vehicle breakdowns, as new data estimates it sees 238 each year.

In fact, the motorway has four out of the five busiest road sections across all highways in the UK.

Between 195,000 and 209,000 vehicles drive on the 117 miles of M25 every single day, according to 2023 data from the Department for Transport.

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 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."

It comes as drivers face GBP2,500 fines for breaking a rule that was quietly changed in 2021.

This is for breaking caravan licence rules on streets and roads up and down the UK, with drivers risking a GBP2,500 fine and a driving ban according to experts.

In 2021, the law changed to allow drivers who passed their driving test on or after January 1, 1997, to tow trailers including caravans up to 3,500kg in MAM without needing an additional licence.

The new rules simplify things overall and came into place on 16 December 2021.

If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you should still be able to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a MAM of up to 8,250kg.

Issuing advice on towing a caravan for the first time, experts say: "The first piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of space and time for each manouvre. You'll need to be looking further ahead than you would if you were just driving a car in order to give you more time to brake with the extra weight.

"You'll also need to give yourself more room to navigate corners."

They add: "Be conscious of the extra weight when you're accelerating. When you're towing a caravan, chances are you'll accelerate more slowly so you'll need to bear this in mind when performing manouvres such as joining the motorway.

"When on a motorway, you are not allowed to tow in the outside lane, unless directed to do so in such cases as roadworks or an accident." They say: "Make sure you have good visibility to the rear of your caravan.

"This is a legal requirement and will usually involve using extension mirrors.

Having a good set of well-calibrated mirrors will be a great help whatever road you're on as caravans completely restrict your rear view in most cases."

References

1. ^ Nationwide issues three-week message over GBP100 bonus payments (www.birminghammail.co.uk)