WIREDGOV

Highways Agency advises drivers to take care on roads as Met Office forecasts more cold weather

HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (HA-01-09) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 6 January 2009

Drivers across the country, particularly in the north and south west of England, are being warned that continuing cold weather will affect their journeys overnight tonight (Tuesday) and during Wednesday morning.

The Met Office forecasts very low temperatures overnight in the south, with light rain turning into patchy sleet or snow in northern England. The Highways Agency is monitoring weather conditions and their fleet of winter service vehicles will be deployed to treat roads in response to local conditions.

Derek Turner, Director of Traffic Operations at the Highways Agency, said:

"We are currently experiencing a sustained period of exceptionally low temperatures. We are well prepared, and have detailed, tested plans to keep England's motorways and major A roads free of ice and snow. But it is still important to drive with care even where roads have been treated, as in these extremely low temperatures salt may not be as effective. When roads are slippery it will take longer to stop - up to 10 times longer. So, drop your speed and allow enough time to slow down and stop. I also strongly advise road users to check the latest information on weather and road conditions before starting their journeys."

Drivers are advised to carry warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, a spade if snow is forecast, and to make sure they have plenty of fuel for the journey. Listen to travel news on your car radio or tune into the Agency's Traffic Radio, which is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk

For weather conditions:
* The Met Office website - http://www.metoffice.com
* Local radio broadcasts
* HA website - http://www.highways.gov.uk
* Traffic Radio on DAB digital or online at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk
* Highways Agency Information Line 0845 7504030

Notes to Editors

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available:
* From our new Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".
* On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone 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).

3. Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.

4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)

Winter Service and Treating Roads

The Highways Agency has an advanced winter monitoring system, comparable to the best across Europe and the world. The Agency operates more than 500 winter service vehicles (salt spreaders with snow plough attachments and snow-blowers) based at 144 depots around the network. Salt stocks are well established, and we have contingency plans to monitor and replenish stocks if severe weather arrives.

For interviews and more information contact regional press officers or the National Press Office below:

North West: Nigel Ellis at COI 0161 952 4507 / 07974 668265
North East & Yorkshire & Humber: Jenny Hart, 07990 771822
West Midlands: Annie Harris at COI 0121 352 5518
East: Simon Hinds 07796 882101
East Midlands: Lucy Rees, 0115 855 2051/ 07881 665393
South East: James Wright, 01883 745 364
South West: Rachel Whitelock, 07770 544608

National Press Office: 0207 081 7443 including out of hours