middlesbrough, Local Online News Community, Forums, Chats, For Sale, Classified, Offers, Film Reviews, Events, Motors Sale, Property For Sale Rent, Jobs, Hotels, Taxi, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Pictures, Sports, Charities, Lost Found

  1. Published on: 16/11/2017 08:51 AMReported by: roving-eye
    Highways England’s team of 1,300 specially trained gritter drivers based across the country are geared up for winter – and are urging drivers to do the same.



    The company responsible for the country’s motorways and main A roads has more than 280,000 tonnes of salt, over 500 salt spreading vehicles ready around the clock to help drivers get to their destinations safely.

    Roads Minister, Jesse Norman said: "It is essential to keep our road network running throughout the winter.

    "Highways England has informed us that they are well prepared for adverse weather, with enough salt to cover 610,000 miles of our motorways.

    "But the expert advice is clear: drivers need to make their own judgements about road conditions. If it doesn’t look safe then they should stay put and travel once weather conditions have improved."

    Added Highways England’s national winter and severe weather team leader, Paul Furlong: "We care about people getting to their destinations safely and during any severe weather our teams will be working around the clock to keep traffic moving.

    "We’re asking drivers to make sure they and their vehicles are also prepared. Before you set out, check your vehicle, the road conditions and the weather forecast. 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."

    To help keep traffic moving, Highways England has nearly 130 winter service depots across the country, and more than 250 environmental sensor stations that provide real-time monitoring of road weather conditions and temperatures.

    Highways England is urging drivers not to use the hard shoulder to undertake gritters, risking a collision with a stationary vehicle and causing a hazard when gritters try to come off at junctions.

    Drivers are asked not to take unnecessary risks this winter and only pass a gritter when it is safe to do so, avoiding using the hard shoulder and checking for hazards ahead.

    During severe weather drivers are urged to follow this advice:

    *In snow and ice, drivers should stick to the main roads where they can and only travel if necessary.
    *Drivers are also encouraged to make sure they have a winter kit in their vehicle, including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets and sunglasses to cope with the low winter sun
    *In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible
    *In heavy rain, drivers should 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, drivers should switch on their fog lights and not use lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back - if you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue.

    Drivers are advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting our traffic information website or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000

    Useful links: Report Cyber Crime | Stop Nuisance Calls & Mail | Daily Covid Stats (updated 4pm) | Covid excess deaths in your area | Local NHS Resources | What 3 Words





  2. Check Todays Deals on Ebay.co.uk      Check Todays Deals On Amazon.co.uk

    Your Comments:


  3. ECHOEONE says:16/11/2017 09:25 AM
    Good to know; but is Sefton. Most years when it is needed, they seem to drop the ball in Southport.


Custom Search

Search Qlocal (powered by google)
You are in: UK / Middlesbrough / Yorkshire and the Humber
Find any Town in the UK, or Use UK map
Local Google MAP for Middlesbrough

User Control Panel

Not a Member? Sign Up!

Login or Register


Privacy & Cookie Policy



   Check Todays Deals On Amazon.co.uk
   Check Todays Deals on Ebay.co.uk



Booking.com

Firewood suppliers in middlesbrough
Replacement Stove Glass in middlesbrough
Supporting Local Business

Be Seen - Advertise on Qlocal






UK, Local Online News Community, Forums, Chats, For Sale, Classified, Offers, Vouchers, Events, Motors Sale, Property For Sale Rent, Jobs, Hotels, Taxi, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Pictures, Sports, Charities, Lost Found
middlesbroughmiddlesbrough News



Stats: Qlocal over 500,000 page views a month (google analytics)