18/01/2013

NI Motorists Warned Over Snowfall

Northern Ireland’s motorists are being warned to take care over the weekend, following reports that snow will fall on Friday and last throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The Met Office has issued an 'amber' alert and has advised people to expect disruption caused by the snow.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said gritters were on standby to deal with bad weather.

He said: "Since October, more than 300 staff and over 130 gritters have been salting the main roads during the cold spells to help drivers cope with wintry conditions.

"During spells of prolonged snow, all gritters will be fitted with snow ploughs and efforts directed to clearing snow from motorways and the trunk roads, before moving to other main roads and the busiest urban link roads."

In very deep snow, the Roads Service will use its nine snow blowers, some of which can shift 1,600 tonnes of snow an hour.

Minister Attwood added: "I would urge motorists to take care on the roads. The best advice is in the Highway Code – drive with care even if roads have been salted, be prepared for road conditions changing over short distances and take care when overtaking gritters.

"I would again remind the public to make sure their homes including outside pipes are well insulated and that we all keep an eye on our vulnerable and elderly neighbours."

Traffic information is available via the Department for regional Development website.

(IT)

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