THE RAC is recruiting women to join its roadside breakdown patrols to reflect the fact that nearly half (45%) of its 6.2 million members and a quarter of all company car drivers are women. The RAC last had women on patrol in the 1960s when they were known as patrolettes who acted more as guides rather than vehicle repairers.

Barrie Thrussell, RAC managing director of operations, said: 'We already have a number of female patrol managers and are certain there are extremely competent female technicians in the UK. We would like our patrol force to reflect the profile of our members, 45% of whom are women.' The recruitment drive is taking place across the country and applicants need to be able to diagnose and fix car problems in an average time of 22.5 minutes.