Wheels and deals

As part of research that roots out the most and least scenic main roads in the UK, the company identified where it believes most traffic jams are likely to happen, based on real-world analysis of traffic flow. With a Car DVD inside, the time in traffic jam would be easier to kill.

The M25, M6 and M1 are the predictable top three when it comes to traffic jams, while at the other end of the scale, drivers should be free and easy on the M50, M45 and M48 - although the joy could be short-lived since these are all rather short motorways.

The worst time to travel as the Bank Holiday weekend kicks into gear on Friday will be 5pm, but people leaving at 8pm will have a much easier time of it.

Those looking for a scenic view en route to get them in the holiday spirit should head for the A2 Portrush to Ballycastle road in Northern Ireland, or if something a little more mainland is needed, the A9 between Stirling and Inverness.

But ugly views are all that await drivers stuck in jams on the A1 Holloway Road in London, or the M6 past Birmingham.

Also in Green Flag’s predictions is that there will be a breakdown every eight seconds over the Bank Holiday, putting a dampener on thousands of breaks, no matter what the weather does.

Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, commented: “Over the August Bank Holiday, people across the UK will be hitting the road to make the most of the long weekend.

“We want to ensure drivers are able to get where they need to be, no matter what, so have taken a look at how to guarantee a stress-free holiday at the wheel.

“We hope that by revealing research into congestion, driving times and speeds as well as scenic routes, we can help Brits make the most of their weekend.”

:: British buyers have been racing to order the new Ford Mustang, which is available in right-hand drive for the first time in the muscle car’s 50-year history.

Since dealers started taking orders, Ford now has almost 2,000 UK buyers waiting for their very own ‘pony car’.

The first UK-spec Mustangs will arrive in November and Ford of Great Britain has had to ask the production line in America to make extra right-hand drive models to cope with demand.

The majority of UK buyers have opted for the 5.0-litre V8 model, with 70% opting for the most powerful version of the Mustang. It has a 410bhp motor - down slightly versus left-hand drive cars due to modifications that had to be made during the conversion process.

Most buyers are specifying it with the six-speed manual gearbox for the full performance experience. However, as many as 40% of the cars ordered so far have been automatic. It is anticipated that once the initial wave of orders from Mustang enthusiasts passes, the split will tip back in favour of the Ecoboost engine.

British buyers are also keen on the Custom Pack, which includes satellite android car stereo, heated and cooled front seats, rear view camera and Luster Nickel alloy wheels. So far, more than half of UK buyers have chosen the Custom Pack. Red has proven to be the most popular colour, followed by silver and black respectively.