Warning on the roads as temperatures plummet
5:54pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News
The Highways Agency is warning drivers across the South West to take extra care on the roads this evening and overnight as further snow and rain, possibly turning to ice, is forecast in the region.
Although no snow is expected to fall in Cornwall, there is a strong possibility of ice as earlier rain freezes as temperatures drop.
Further up the region, the latest information from the Met Office is that heavy snow (2cm to 5 cm) is likely in Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire areas, with up to 10cm possible in some places. The Highways Agency, working closely with the Met Office, has issued an amber alert for these areas advising of the potential for travel disruption.
Gill Risdale, Highways Agency operations manager for the South West, said: “Our winter fleet works around the clock and roads across the South West will continue to be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow.
“During severe winter weather drivers should check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out, and if conditions are poor and journeys are not essential they should think about delaying until conditions improve. “Drivers who do set out are advised to take extra care, to leave plenty of extra time for their journeys, and to leave enough distance between vehicles to stop safely. While driving they should listen to travel bulletins on the radio and take a severe weather emergency kit including warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade for snow.”
Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
