The RAC told drivers to come to a safe stop and not continue driving if a red battery warning light appears on the dashboard. The alert hits during a painful stretch as fuel costs climb sharply. The price to fill a diesel family car now reaches a painful new high per tank. Oil prices have reversed course and risen back above a key level per barrel.

In other motoring news, safety guidance highlighted seven early clues of failing brakes. Motorists described swerving potholes as much like a frantic bout of a video game obstacle dash.