Highways Agency advice during exceptionally low temperatures

The Highways Agency have published this advice as very low temperatures and snow continue to affect the country.

'While the severe weather continues, road users are advised to take extra care because of the risk of ice forming on road surfaces. Despite the severe weather, all motorways are open, as are the vast majority of the other strategic roads we operate. Our winter fleet continues to lay salt and remove lying snow around the clock to keep these routes available for use.

However with exceptionally low temperatures forecast, the Highways Agency is advising drivers to take extra care because of the risk of ice forming on road surfaces. While salt is very effective at reducing the risk of ice formation, at very low temperatures there can still be a risk of black ice on road surfaces even when salt has been spread. Drivers are advised to pay particular care at locations where local conditions such as road gradients, bends or overhanging trees mean that there may be an increased risk of ice. There is still a need to drive with care, even after road surfaces have been treated.

While the severe weather continues, drivers are advised by the Highways Agency to check their route and the weather forecast before setting out, and to take extra care if they decide to travel where there is a risk of snow or ice. In the worst affected areas, if a journey is not essential, then road users should consider whether to delay setting out until local conditions improve.

Continuous salt treatment and snow ploughing is being carried out on the strategic road network in England. Where incidents have occurred, our traffic officers and maintenance teams are working with the Police to re-open routes as soon as it is safe to do so.

Road users who decide to travel are advised to check road conditions and the weather forecast for their planned route. 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. When driving leave sufficient distance between vehicles so you can stop safely.'

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source: Highways Agency