Cold weather prompts Highways Agency driving warning

The Met Office has issued a weather warning to the UK, alerting drivers to the possibility of ice and snow in the coming days, highways.gov.uk reports.

Sub-zero temperatures have been forecast across the country, dropping to minus three degrees in London and Birmingham, apparently. As a result, there is an increased risk of ice on the roads and the Highways Agency (HA) is reminding motorists to take extra care when behind the wheel.

The Agency is urging drivers not to commence a journey until all of the windows are completely de-iced, to enable a clear view of the road surface, therefore extra time will be needed ahead of starting out. They also recommend that drivers and their passengers pack additional warm clothing, should they break down.

The advice is pertinent for those who don't drive regularly or are likely to be at the wheel of an unfamiliar vehicle, for example van leasing.

While it may not rain overnight, the HA warns that heavy frost can make the road surface slick and that stretches under bridges or overhanging trees can be especially treacherous.

According to wired-gov.net, the HA's fleet of gritters has spread 60,000 tonnes of salt already this year and will be out in force over the next few days, however conditions will remain "challenging", so drivers are asked to take extra care.