An average of 43 cars run out of fuel each day, prompting the Highways Agency to warn drivers to check how much fuel they have before they set off.
The agency reported that 15,000 cars stopped on UK roads between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 because they had run out of fuel, with many breaking down in dangerous or disruptive places.
Highways Agency boss Derek Turner said, "The number of people breaking down simply because they have run out of fuel is alarming. 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."
