There is predicted to be a record number of stranded drivers on Monday, according to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), a not-for-profit breakdown company.

The cold weather is forecast to continue through the New Year period and this will exacerbate the problem of flat batteries - traditionally the main cause of car breakdowns on the first day back at work after Christmas.

It is feared that the number of stranded motorists this year may be higher because people are trying to save money by cutting back on what they regard as non-essential services.

It is estimated that three million drivers are prepared to go without breakdown cover in order to reduce their motoring costs, according to an ETA poll of British motorists.

Director of the ETA, Andrew Davis said: "It's not just people who can feel flat following the New Year festivities; the sub-zero temperatures predicted for early January mean many car batteries will fail on that first Monday back to work."

ETA offers this advice:

1. Most breakdowns at this time of the year are due to flat batteries rather than mechanical failure - Try and avoid leaving your car unused for days at a time during the current cold snap.
2. If you already have breakdown cover, make sure it covers you at home as there is a good chance that is where a car battery will fail.
3. Doing without breakdown cover can be false economy - prices range from £32 a year.