FOR the fourth time in succession Britannia Rescue has won the 'best buy' award in a Which? survey of roadside recovery services. And the Huddersfield-based company, with 400,000 members, shared other honours with the mighty AA, which boasts a membership of 4.6 million.

Which? surveyed 1,000 breakdowns, including about 100 from fleet drivers. Britannia Rescue was given the 'best buy' award after 76% of customers said they were 'very satisfied' with its service, combined with 'speedy response and competitive rates'. The AA and RAC came equal second (70%) and Green Flag fourth (64%).

Just over half - 51% - of AA patrols arrived within 30 minutes of a call from a stranded motorist, a performance matched by Britannia Rescue. Green Flag was third with 44% and the RAC 37%.The RAC, however, proved the leader in its ability to make repairs, including temporary ones, at the roadside. It fixed 73% of vehicles, compared to the AA's 71%, Green Flag's 63%, Britannia Rescue's 61%.

In response to its poor response time performance, the RAC said it was more important to ensure it could repair the vehicle when it arrived than getting to a motorist quickly. This is the second survey to have been at odds with the RAC. The JD Power '1999 UK Roadside Assistance Study' rated the RAC second to the AA, which the organisation disputed saying its own findings showed it was the industry leader.