An "alarming" number of motorists in the UK are breaking down after running out of fuel, it has been claimed.

The Highways Agency (HA) has warned that drivers who fail to fill up with sufficient levels of petrol or diesel are putting themselves and others in danger.

It issued this warning in light of figures that show 15,788 individuals found themselves stranded on motorways up and down England between July 1st 2008 and June 30th 2009 with an empty tank.

This is equivalent to 43 breakdowns a day.

Commenting on the growing trend, director of network operations with HA Derek Turner said: "It’s not only hazardous to the driver and passengers, but to other road users as well, especially if the vehicle has to stop in a live lane."

In other safety news, HA recently urged motorists not to discard rubbish on the floor of their autos.

The group claimed items like empty cans of pop could become lodged under the brake pedal and cause an accident.

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