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TMCNet: UK Government: Highways Agency 'ready for winter'

[November 16, 2009]

UK Government: Highways Agency 'ready for winter'

Nov 16, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Highways Agency, which looks after England's motorways and major A roads, is ready to face severe weather as we head into the winter months, and is asking road users to play their part in keeping the nation moving.


A Highways Agency survey of road users found that more than half of those surveyed had encountered one or more types of severe weather warning in the previous year. However almost half (48%) admitted that they would not carry out any vehicle checks even after hearing a severe weather warning, and just under a quarter (24%) would not change their journey plans. More reassuringly, four out of ten (43%) drivers said that although they would continue their journey as planned they would monitor conditions or take extra precautions.

Martin Hobbs, the Highways Agency's Head of Severe Weather Strategy, said: "Last February's severe weather was a tough test of our winter preparations. The Highways Agency was well prepared for the severe weather and working with central Government, was able to help a number of highway authorities experiencing difficulties with shortfalls in their salt levels. However we have learned lessons from that experience, and we have strengthened our capability to face any future challenges. This year our new state-of-the-art winter vehicles are being used in more parts of the country, and since last winter we have reviewed our salt stock levels and taken action where needed to make sure we are ready.

"Although we're well prepared for winter, we need road users to play their part too. Not every journey is essential in severe weather, and our survey shows that sometimes people head out anyway without taking steps to avoid being caught out.

"So we are asking drivers to carry out simple vehicle checks before they set out; to carry a severe weather emergency kit in their vehicles; and to monitor the traffic and weather conditions and plan their journeys by using our website, listening to DAB digital 'Traffic Radio' or local radio stations, or by calling our information line (08457 50 40 30)." It's not just snow and ice, but also strong winds, heavy rain and thick fog that can affect journeys on the roads. Forecasters from the Met Office are once again working at the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre in the West Midlands to provide up-to-the-minute advice on weather conditions across the motorway and trunk road network.

Dick Porter, Met Office Forecaster at the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre, said: "After exceptionally severe weather last year, especially during February, the Met Office is predicting mean temperatures to be above average this winter. However, sudden cold spells can easily catch drivers by surprise and drivers should always be prepared for spells of high winds, heavy rain or fog. The best way for travellers to anticipate and prepare for difficult driving conditions is by keeping up to date with the latest Met Office forecast." Drivers and their passengers can also call the Highways Agency 24-hour automated phone service on 08700 660 115 or visit our website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic for the latest traffic and travel information. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts.

Notes to editors For an interview with the Highways Agency or for details and pictures of the Highways Agency's winter fleet please call the Highways Agency Press Office, on 020 7081 7443 or email: pressoffice@highways.gsi.gov.uk 1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. The Highways Agency commissioned research into attitudes to driving in severe weather. This was carried out by Faber Maunsell between April 2008 and March 2009. A total of 2093 people, who made up a national representative sample of the population of England and were either drivers or passengers, were interviewed.

3. A severe weather emergency kit should include the following items - an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first-aid kit, battery jump leads, a spade if it's likely to snow, food and drink.

4. Drivers of high-sided vehicles will be kept informed of strong winds via the Highways Agency's weather alert system. The system was developed in partnership with Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA). Amber and red alerts will be communicated through radio bulletins, the Highways Agency 'Traffic Radio' service and through the FTA and RHA membership network.

5. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available: * From our Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".

* On the internet at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic * By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.

4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk , or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 4p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary) Receive our national and regional press releases by RSS and get the latest headlines straight to your desktop the moment we publish them to our website. Choose to receive a national press feed or one of our regionalised feeds - go to www.highways.gov.uk/rssnews for more information.

Issued by the Highways Agency Press Office. To request an interview or for further information please contact Alex on 0207 153 4847, or 0207 081 7443 (24-hour number).

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