Snow alert issued to North West morning peak drivers

Snow alert issued to North West morning peak drivers

Drivers are being urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys on Wednesday morning after Highways England issued a severe weather alert for the region’s major roads.

A yellow warning for snow will be in place across the North West between 3am and 12 noon on Wednesday in response to heavy snow on high ground. Cumbria and Lancashire are considered to be at greatest risk, but drivers should take care on all high level routes in the region.

Snow fall is predicted between 2-5cm at elevations over 150m, with up to 10cm on the ground above 300m causing travel disruption throughout the morning rush hour period, and giving rise to increased journey times. Sleet and snow accumulations could also occur at lower levels.

Phil Stockford, North West Emergency Planning Manager, said: “Gritters are out treating our routes, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and the snow is not settling, it can be slippery in patches where ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

Travelling too fast for the current conditions was identified as a factor in 1 in 9 road deaths in Great Britain last year, with drivers failing to alter how they drive in response to changing conditions on the road.