Road users should make sure that they are prepared to face severe weather. So says the Highways Agency, which manages and maintains England’s motorways and major A roads
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is now available:
* On the internet at 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).
* From our Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at 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".
Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “The Highways Agency is prepared for winter, but road users must also play their part. Not all journeys are essential in severe weather, but if people feel that they must travel during severe conditions there are some simple steps that can reduce the risk of being caught out by the weather. That’s why I am urging all drivers to carry out simple vehicle checks before they set out; to carry a severe weather emergency kit in their vehicles; to monitor the traffic and weather conditions and plan their journeys.”
The Highways Agency claims that it has learned from the severe weather of the last two winters, and strengthened its capability to face extended spells of severe weather. Winter vehicles are being used in more parts of the country, and the Agency has reviewed salt stock levels and established a strategic salt stock.
As well as snow and ice, strong winds, heavy rain and thick fog can affect journeys in the winter season. Met Office weather forecasters based at the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre will provide information on weather conditions across the motorway and trunk road network. Drivers can obtain up to the minute information on winter traffic conditions from:
* the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000
* the Highways Agency’s ‘Traffic Radio’, broadcast on DAB digital
* the Agency’s website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic
* the Agency’s iPhone app and mobile website
Fo information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts.
