Highways Agency warns drivers to take extra care as temperatures fall in the South East, London and East
With exceptionally low temperatures forecast overnight the Highways Agency is advising drivers in the South East, London, and the East to take extra care during the night and over the weekend 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.
Even where the motorways and major A roads operated by the Highways Agency are clear of snow and have continued to be treated, the current very low temperatures mean there is still a risk of ice. Drivers are therefore urged to continue to take particular care.
The Met Office has issued a flash warning of widespread icy roads in the East, London, South East, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are expected to spread from the west during this evening (Friday 03 December 2010) and overnight falling on to sub zero surfaces.
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 with salt and are clear of snow.
Despite the severe weather, the Highways Agency has kept England’s motorways open, along with the vast majority of the other strategic roads operated by the Highways Agency. Our winter fleet continues to spread salt and remove lying snow 24 hours a day to keep routes available for use.
Drivers are advised to make sure they are properly prepared by checking weather and traffic conditions before they set out and by driving appropriately for the conditions and be equipped with warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.
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