26/07/2005

Road users urged to take care in heavy rain

Road users are being advised by the Highways Agency to take extra care when travelling over the next few days as heavy rain is set to continue in many parts of the country.

The Met Office is warning that bands of heavy rain are likely to spread across much of England and Wales from Tuesday night through to Saturday morning.

Heavy rain is forecast for North West England, North East England, The Midlands, Wales, South West England, Central Southern England, South East England and East Anglia and Lincolnshire. The rain is likely to become thundery and prolonged at times making driving conditions dangerous and increasing the risk of localised flooding.

The Met Office says one or two inches (25 to 50 mm) of rain may fall in some areas, and up to 75mm in a few spots. The northern extent of the rain area could extend to cover Lancashire and Yorkshire.

On wet road surfaces and in poor visibility, the Highways Agency is advising all road users to:
  • slow down;
  • increase their stopping distances;
  • and keep well back from the vehicle in front.
Drivers should check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel, and listen to travel bulletins on the radio during their journey.

The Highways Agency's ‘top tips’ for a safe journey include:
  • Plan ahead. Check your route for possible delays and roadworks before you set out, and listen to travel bulletins on the radio;/LI>
  • Allow plenty of time for your journey and don’t forget to stop for a break at least once every two hours;
  • Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and you and your passengers are prepared for a long journey.
  • Drive carefully at roadworks. Lane restrictions and reduced speed limits are there for the safety of drivers and to provide a safe area for the workforce.


For information about road conditions, the Highways Agency’s traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.

The Highways Agency operates a 24-hour voice activated telephone service on 08700 660 115 costing 8p a minute from BT landlines (mobile will cost more). Don’t phone while driving!

(SP/KMcA)

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