AA patrols are arriving at breakdowns in record time, according to new figures from the organisation. Average arrival times fell to a new record low of 31 minutes last month due, says the AA, to the implementation of its new computerised patrol despatch system. Consequently 'call to complete' times also fell to under one hour.

However, a fall in the overall repair rate - 81.9% last month compared to 83.3% in the first seven months of 1998 - was blamed on a 'significant drop' in battery problems. Flat and faulty batteries are 'quick fixes' for patrols, but they represent fewer causes of breakdowns in summer. About 90% of breakdowns - the majority of which are battery related - are attended by AA patrols with the remainder being attended by AA approved garages. Figures are for AA patrols only.

The statistics are now being published by the AA on a monthly basis in response to claims from rival breakdown and recovery organisation Green Flag, made earlier this year, that it was faster. The Advertising Standards Authority upheld an AA objection to an advert and subsequently the AA challenged rival breakdown and recovery companies to publish their performance record.