Highways teams prepared for winter weather
Devon County Council’s highways teams are geared up to respond to whatever the weather throws at the county this weekend.
A weather warning has been issued for the possibility of snow showers and ice in the county over the next few days. Although it is mainly expected to affect higher ground, wintry showers cannot be ruled out at lower levels.
Road surface temperatures will be below freezing across most of the county overnight, and with a risk of icy patches in the morning, gritters will be heading out across Devon’s main salting routes.
Motorists are urged to travel with care, particularly on minor roads which may be off the salting network.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: “This current cold spell is expected to be with us for the next few days and we may experience wintry showers across the county over the weekend. With the possibility of snow over the highest parts of Devon, gritters will be out on some of our main routes later. Our teams will be monitoring the situation overnight and throughout the weekend so that they can respond accordingly.
“There is also the chance that there will be icy stretches, particularly away from the treated network, so drivers are advised to drive according to the conditions. Ice can even affect roads which have been salted, so I would urge everyone to take extreme care when out and about.”
Motorists are reminded of the following advice:
- Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
- Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
- Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
- Drive with care and according to the conditions;
- If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
- Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @HughHOCC and @DevonAlert
