Drivers advised to take care on the roads in North and South West as cold conditions expected across many parts of England

London, 2 March/GNN/ -- HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (HA-13-08) issued by The Government News Network on 2 March 2008 The Highways Agency is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads as the M

The Met Office says that light rain is expected overnight with the potential
for snow on trans-Pennine routes. Temperatures are expected to
drop as the rain clears, with snow and sleet showers into the west by dawn,
then spreading to other areas through the day.

The Highways Agency is advising drivers to check weather forecasts and road
conditions, prepare for their journey and delay traveling if the weather
becomes severe.

Drivers are advised to carry warm clothing and an emergency pack in the car,
which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch and a spade. Plan your
journey before leaving home and make sure you have plenty of fuel for your
journey. Check your route for delays, and the weather forecast. Listen to
travel news on your car radio or tune into the Agency's Traffic Radio,
which is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at www.trafficradio.org.uk.

Our winter fleet will be out treating our network of motorways and all major
'A' roads. Take care around spreading vehicles and vehicles clearing snow
and only overtake if you can do so safely, without driving on any uncleared
snow. These vehicles are performing essential work to help keep roads open
and may be traveling at low speed.

It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so allow more room to
slow down and stop. Avoid losing control of your vehicle because of wheel
spin, by using the highest gear possible. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration
and sharp turns.

Information about current road conditions is available on the Highways
Agency's website http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo/

For up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and
trunk roads, drivers should check the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk
or call 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met
Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.

Note to Editors
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for
Transport. It manages, maintains and improves England's motorways and trunk
roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. Real -time traffic information for England's motorways and major A
roads is now available:
From our new 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/trafficinfo

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).

3. 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 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call
charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)

Issued by the Highways Agency Press Office. For further information please
contact 020 7081 7443. Out of hours the Highways Agency Duty Press Officer
can be contacted by phoning 020 7081 7443

Source: Highways Agency

2008-03-02 11:25:42 0302177 PRNEWSWIRE