With temperatures continuing to fall, the Highways Agency has reminded all road users of the need to be prepared when they set out on a journey.
Even if it’s not snowing, cold weather can create less obvious dangers including black ice.
Although the forecast suggests you are unlikely to need a snow shovel this week, you should make sure you have plenty of warm clothing for you and your passengers. If you break down on the motorway it’s dangerous to stay in your vehicle,” said Jason Glasson of the Highways Agency’s winter team.
A Met Office cold weather alert has been issued for the entire country. It predicts temperatures of minus three in London and Birmingham on Friday morning. All parts are expected to be sub-zero and the temperature will ‘feel like’ minus six or lower in places.
Met Office forecasters based at the Highways Agency’s national operations centre say there will be little rain or snow before the weekend, but conditions on many roads have been categorised as ‘challenging’. The agency's 500-strong gritting fleet is expecting this to be one of its busiest periods of the winter.
Advice includes:
- Even if it hasn’t rained overnight, a heavy frost can still make roads slippy.
- Watch out for icy conditions under bridges, overhanging trees and exposed roads.
Allow extra time in the morning to de-ice your car windows – and then clean all of them so you have a good view.
- On a cold, clear morning there is a greater risk of being dazzled by low sun through a frosty windscreen. Include sunglasses in your winter driving kit.
Information about a winter driving kit and other advice to help motorists be prepared for winter is on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/winter
No comments have been made.