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08/11/2011
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather.
The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans. Salt stock levels have been reviewed with stocks of more than a quarter of a million tonnes – 25% more than at the same time last year.
Met Office weather forecasters based at the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre will also be on hand to provide information on weather conditions across the motorway and trunk road network.
Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “The Highways Agency is ready for winter, 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. For more information and advice I’d urge all drivers to make time for winter and visit the Highways Agency’s website, where there are lots of tips to help keep winter journeys safe and trouble free.
Meanwhile, Alyson Bedford, Head of Government Business at the Met Office, said they were working closely with the Highways Agency throughout the year.
"During the winter period our forecasters work with Highways Agency staff to provide them with the very latest weather forecasts. When making any journey always make sure you check the weather forecast for the latest weather information.”
For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website or listen to local radio broadcasts, the agency said.
(DW)
The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans. Salt stock levels have been reviewed with stocks of more than a quarter of a million tonnes – 25% more than at the same time last year.
Met Office weather forecasters based at the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre will also be on hand to provide information on weather conditions across the motorway and trunk road network.
Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “The Highways Agency is ready for winter, 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. For more information and advice I’d urge all drivers to make time for winter and visit the Highways Agency’s website, where there are lots of tips to help keep winter journeys safe and trouble free.
Meanwhile, Alyson Bedford, Head of Government Business at the Met Office, said they were working closely with the Highways Agency throughout the year.
"During the winter period our forecasters work with Highways Agency staff to provide them with the very latest weather forecasts. When making any journey always make sure you check the weather forecast for the latest weather information.”
For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website or listen to local radio broadcasts, the agency said.
(DW)
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13 November 2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
17 December 2004
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
18 February 2005
Road users ignore winter weather warnings
Almost half of road users would make journeys in spite of severe weather warnings, according to Highway Agency research. The research also found that a fifth of those questioned do not check weather warnings before travelling on the roads, while one in ten people do not listen to the radio for warnings while driving.
Road users ignore winter weather warnings
Almost half of road users would make journeys in spite of severe weather warnings, according to Highway Agency research. The research also found that a fifth of those questioned do not check weather warnings before travelling on the roads, while one in ten people do not listen to the radio for warnings while driving.
02 February 2012
Highways Agency Issues Weather Warning
The Highways Agency is urging people to be prepared when setting out on a journey, as temperatures continue to fall during the week. The agency, which looks after England’s motorways and major A roads, said that even if it’s not snowing, cold weather can create dangers that are less obvious – such as an increased risk of ice.
Highways Agency Issues Weather Warning
The Highways Agency is urging people to be prepared when setting out on a journey, as temperatures continue to fall during the week. The agency, which looks after England’s motorways and major A roads, said that even if it’s not snowing, cold weather can create dangers that are less obvious – such as an increased risk of ice.
24 November 2005
Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions
With the first severe wintry weather expected to hit the UK tonight, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers to be prepared and to slow down and take care in sleet and snow. The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight.
Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions
With the first severe wintry weather expected to hit the UK tonight, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers to be prepared and to slow down and take care in sleet and snow. The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
