Drivers advised against non-essential travel

Drivers advised against non-essential travel

Many areas of England have been affected by heavy snow. The majority of our roads are running well. Drivers are advised to prepare for their journeys and check weather conditions.

02 February 2009

The majority of Highways Agency roads are flowing well with no problems reported, however further snow is expected throughout the day.
 
The Highways Agency's national winter fleet, which consists of 500 salt spreaders and snow blowers, has already been used extensively this weekend with regular salt spreading taking place to help keep the traffic moving.

Drivers are advised to make sure they are properly prepared for the conditions.

Highways Agency advice to drivers includes:

Before you set out, check local and national weather forecasts. Listen to travel bulletins on the radio. Be equipped with warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on Englands motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website or by calling 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website or listen to local radio, or the Highways Agency's Traffic Radio service on DAB.

It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions. Keep your distance. Allow extra room to slow down and stop. Slow down and avoid making any sharp driving movements.

If the weather becomes severe, dont drive unless you have to - delay your journey until it improves. Give our winter fleet time to get out and do their job.

Further updates will be posted as available. For live traffic information, please click the red button at the top of the page or phone the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more.)