'Make time for winter'

As we head into the winter season the Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and ensure they are ready for severe weather.

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.”

The Highways Agency is well prepared for winter, with a fleet of 500 state of the art winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans. The Agency has reviewed salt stock levels, and started this winter period with stocks of more than a quarter of a million tonnes – 25% more than at the same time last year.

In the southern half of the North West region there are 45 gritters patrolling 33 treatment routes on the area’s motorways and trunk roads – and four snow blowers for when more severe weather affects the region.

Highways depots are located strategically across the area including at Knutsford and Preston Brook in Cheshire, Tarbock in Merseyside, Milnrow and Westhoughton in Greater Manchester and Whitebirk and Charnock Richard in Lancashire. Each of the depot holds thousands of tonnes of salt ready for the challenges ahead. More than a dozen roadside weather stations to detect ice are also in operation.

As well as snow and ice, strong winds, heavy rain and thick fog can affect journeys in the winter season. Met Office weather forecasters based at the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre will provide information on weather conditions across the motorway and trunk road network.

Alyson Bedford, Head of Government Business at the Met Office, said: “We work closely with Highways Agency throughout the year and 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.”