With the cold snap now well and truly settled in, with freezing temperatures the norm for most parts of the UK and snow coming down in some areas, the AA has issued pertinent advice for motorists who will be venturing out in the harsh conditions.
The thermometer has hit -10 in places this month, making driving conditions potentially treacherous, while snowfall across the country has caused several roads to close, including the M54 in Shropshire and the M5 in Gloucestershire. Trains across the West Midlands have been hit by delays and air travel has also been affected, with Stansted and Manchester closing runways due to snow.
Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “While temperatures dropped this week, we saw breakdowns spike and expect demand to continue”, before adding these words of advice: “Allow extra time, as there may be delays to your normal routes and make sure you pack winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.
“Take heed of warning lights in your vehicle and make sure you check it regularly if you drive less in the winter. Flat batteries are one of the top breakdowns we attend in cold weather and can be avoided by regular car maintenance.
“Also, on a frosty morning, hazards like black ice can prove lethal if you don’t adjust your speed and driving style in colder weather. Always leave plenty of space behind other vehicles as stopping distances can be 10 times longer on icy roads.”
In a recent AA poll of more than 10,500 drivers, 31 per cent said they rethink their driving plans when amber ice, snow and sleet warnings are issued. As the UK is being plunged into the first cold snap of the season, many drivers may get caught out when driving in the wintry conditions.
Road users in the South East are being asked not to travel unless essential due to heavy snow, reported National Highways.
Kent is being particularly hard hit with snow severely impacting the M2, M20 around junctions 8 and 9, the A21 and A249 – with drivers struggling to get through. National Highways duty operations manager for the region Gina Oxley said: “We have been out gritting throughout the afternoon and we’re continuing to treat routes so we can reach the worst affected areas and support our customers with their journeys.
“For anyone thinking of travelling tonight, our advice would be not to unless absolutely essential as heavy snow is expected to continue until 9am tomorrow.”
A winter travel checklist can be found at theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/winter-checklist and live traffic updates are available at theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news.
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