Highways Agency is ready for winter but drivers must also prepare, says Penning
With frost on the windscreen becoming more frequent each morning, it’s probably only a matter of time before the dreaded white stuff engulfs UK roads yet again, but before then, some nuggets of advice for dealing with frosty roads.
Roads Minister Mike Penning has urged all motorists to take out basic precautions like checking oil, fuel and anti-freeze levels.
He also advises motorists to pack a severe weather emergency kit containing items such as a map, battery jump leads, a torch, first aid kit, food and water, warm clothes, and an ice scraper.
Mr Penning revealed that 25% more salt has been stocked by the Highways Agency – over 250,000 tonnes – with 500 winter vehicles on stand-by.
“The Highways Agency is ready for winter,” he affirmed, “but the experience of recent winters is that we must all play our part and be prepared.
“A few very simple steps taken now, such as putting together a severe weather emergency kit for your car, can reduce the risk of being caught out by the weather.
“Not every journey is essential in severe weather, but if you really must travel in the worst conditions, check your vehicle before you set out; take a severe weather emergency kit; check traffic and weather conditions and always plan your journey.”
As an extra means of preparation, he suggested checking highways.gov.uk before embarking on any car journey for up-to-the-minute traffic info.
Unstoppable
Meanwhile, David Williams MBE of GEM Motoring Assist warned motorists not to expect winter tyres to make them unstoppable when the snow comes.
He stressed that winter tyres should not be confused for snow tyres: “Winter tyres are most efficient in temperatures below 8°C when the rubber and silicon compounds in normal tyres are affected; reducing their flexibility and resilience.
“In such temperatures, winter tyres will significantly reduce stopping distances and offer more feedback to the driver’s fingers.
“However, when slush, ice and snow are on the roads, motorists must remain as cautious as ever.”
Regardless of which tyres motorists have fitted, David added they should leave extra stopping distance to compensate for the unpredictable conditions.
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