11/03/2004

Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow

With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads.

The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.

Drivers are being reminded to check weather forecasts and road conditions before and during their journey. If the weather becomes severe, the message is don't drive unless your journey is really necessary, the agency added.

If driving in severe winter weather, slow down and drive according to the conditions. It can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions, so allow extra room to slow down and stop.

The Highways Agency, which manages, maintains and operates 6,000 miles of motorways and trunk roads in England, has 700 gritters and snowploughs on standby at 150 depots around the motorway and trunk road network.

Information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available by phone from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030, and from the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gsi.gov.uk

(gmcg)

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