Highways England Ready for Winter

Living Magazines Road Gritting

Highways England’s team of 1,300 specially trained gritter drivers based throughout the UK are geared up for winter, ready to keep drivers moving.

Over 500 salt spreading vehicles are ready to help drivers get to their destinations safely, around the clock.

Highways England’s national winter and severe weather team leader, Paul Furlong, said: ‘Whether people are heading to friends and family or commuting to work, we care about people’s journeys and during any severe weather our teams will be working around the clock to keep traffic moving.’

Paul continued: ‘If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, consider waiting until the weather gets better – this should improve journeys, and give our gritters a chance to treat the roads.’

During severe winter weather drivers are urged to follow this advice:

  • In snow and ice: Stick to main roads where you can and only travel if necessary. Keep a winter kit in your vehicle, including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets and sunglasses to cope with the low winter sun.
  • In high winds: Slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible. Lorries, caravans and motorbikes are at particular risk.
  • In heavy rain: Keep well back from the vehicle in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen.
  • In fog: Switch on fog lights and don’t use lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back. If drivers really cannot see, consider stopping until it is safe to continue.

To keep informed about driving conditions along your journey, follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting the Highways England website or calling the Information Line on 0300 123 5000.