Menu
24/11/2005
Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions
With the first severe wintry weather expected to hit the UK tonight, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers to be prepared and to slow down and take care in sleet and snow.
The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight. Snow could affect traffic in Friday morning’s rush hour and later on Friday this risk is likely to extend gradually to cover more eastern counties of England.
Gritters will be treating motorways and other strategic roads where ice or snow is forecast. Maintenance teams will be gritting in advance of the cold weather, and will continue to treat motorways and other strategic roads throughout the cold snap.
But winter weather makes driving dangerous - and the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport’s 'Think' road safety campaign highlights six important messages:
Information about prevailing road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency: Information Line 08457 504030 or at www.highways.gov.uk
Information on weather conditions throughout the UK is available from the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk and by listening to radio broadcasts.
(SP)
The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight. Snow could affect traffic in Friday morning’s rush hour and later on Friday this risk is likely to extend gradually to cover more eastern counties of England.
Gritters will be treating motorways and other strategic roads where ice or snow is forecast. Maintenance teams will be gritting in advance of the cold weather, and will continue to treat motorways and other strategic roads throughout the cold snap.
But winter weather makes driving dangerous - and the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport’s 'Think' road safety campaign highlights six important messages:
- In winter, the weather can change quickly. If there is severe weather do not travel unless your journey is essential. If you must drive, always be prepared for bad weather;
- Plan your journey before you go. Check your route for delays and check the weather forecast. While you are driving listen to the travel news on the radio;
- In case you get stuck, keep warm clothes, food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch and a spade in the car;
- Take care around gritters and vehicles that clear snow. Only overtake them if you can do so safely and without going on to uncleared snow;
- It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so allow more room to slow down and stop;
- To avoid losing control of your car because of wheel spin, use the highest gear that you can. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.
Information about prevailing road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency: Information Line 08457 504030 or at www.highways.gov.uk
Information on weather conditions throughout the UK is available from the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk and by listening to radio broadcasts.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2004
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
13 November 2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
08 November 2011
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
17 December 2004
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
19 August 2004
Drivers urged to take extra care in severe weather
With heavy rain and strong winds forecast for many parts of the country over the next few days as the tail end of hurricanes cross the Atlantic, the Highways Agency have urged UK drivers to take extra care on the roads.
Drivers urged to take extra care in severe weather
With heavy rain and strong winds forecast for many parts of the country over the next few days as the tail end of hurricanes cross the Atlantic, the Highways Agency have urged UK drivers to take extra care on the roads.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
