Motorists warned of 'Flat Battery Monday'

Motorists are being advised to keep their car road-ready - as much of Ireland's workforce gears up for the first day back at work on Monday, after the Christmas break.

Allianz Global Assistance Ireland is anticipating a 40% increase in calls on January 5, which has been dubbed 'Flat Battery Monday'.

Hundreds of drivers, who have not used their cars over the break, typically find that their cars will not start on their first day back at work.

General Manager at Allianz Global Assistance Roland Hess advised motorists to "drive the car for a distance, at least half an hour.

"The problem we have is a lot of people have done very short journeys during the Christmas period … and the battery therefore is depleted and therefore when people then come on Monday morning to start their car, it won't start.

"So it literally is as simple as - drive the car for a half an hour, as a minimum."