27/02/2004

Cold spell set to continue over weekend

Motorists were warned on Friday to only travel if their journey was necessary, as heavy snow showers swept southwards across Britain.

Weather forecasters are expecting heavy snow falls in parts of Scotland, the West Country, East Anglia and southern England today. Temperatures are not expected to climb much above 3°C this afternoon.

Heavy snowfalls with gale force winds are expected to hit northern Scotland causing drifting in places. A heavy snow warning is in force for Wales, Devon and Cornwall.

The AA estimates that since the last significant snowfalls in England and Wales in 1995-1996, 4.5 million new drivers have taken to the road and most will never have driven in such difficult driving conditions.

Motoring experts recommend that drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving on snow or ice. A vehicle's stopping distance may be more than ten times that of a dry road.

If heavy snowfalls are expected and the journey is unavoidable, the AA recommend that motorists should take blankets and a shovel.

(SP)

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