Forecast low temperatures could cause travel chaos over the next few days.
The
Highways Agency has suggested drivers take precautions ahead of predicted low temperatures with a view to avoiding winter travel chaos.
Motorists are warned that ice can form on surfaces where trees overhang the road, as well as on hills, even if salt or grit has been distributed.
Travel insurance policyholders expecting to head off over the weekend should bear in mind that stopping distances will be increased on slippery surfaces and ice can mean it takes ten times longer to come to a halt. A high gear and low speed should be used to help prevent skids caused by the wheels spinning.
Untreated snow should be avoided and motorists must refrain from overtaking vehicles that have been deployed to clear the roads. Those spreading grit must be passed with care and they could be travelling at a reduced speed to help keep the roads open.
Leaving additional time for journeys and checking weather reports before leaving the house also come recommended by the Highways Agency, which is currently working with the
Met Office to monitor the situation and prepare for exceptionally low temperatures in coming days.
The Met Office has issued flash warnings of severe or extreme weather for most of the UK today (Thursday December 16th). Heavy snow is predicted in the highlands of Scotland this morning, but is expected to move south across the country throughout the rest of the day and tomorrow.
Some 20 cm of snow could fall in certain areas and accompanying winds may lead to drifts, which "is expected to cause disruption to travel networks", according to the body.
By Robin Western
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