Forecast Predicts Snow Heading Northwards - 17th Dec 2009 5:42pm
Wirral well prepared as forecast predicts snow heading northwards this weekend
Wirral Council transport chiefs have reassured drivers that road salt and grit stocks are "more than adequate" as snow is predicted to head northwards this weekend.
London is on high alert with fleets of gritters and de-icing trucks to avoid a repeat of the travel chaos in February, when a thick blanket of snow paralysed the capital and the entire bus network was shut down.
The Met Office said the flurries affecting the south were set to continue well into the weekend with the coldest temperatures expected on Sunday, when the snow may start to move north.
A Wirral council spokesman said: “We have what we believe is a more than adequate stock of salt in preparation for the forecasted cold snap and we will make every effort to maintain this throughout the winter months.
"Whenever the weather demands it, our gritting teams will be out pre-salting to prevent ice forming on all major commuter roads and main bus routes in Wirral, along with other major strategic routes used by emergency vehicles.
“It is important to add, however, that gritting only reduces the risk of dangerous conditions for drivers – it cannot remove the risk altogether. Motorists should always drive with extreme caution in icy weather and reduce their speed.
“Motorists are urged to drive carefully and allow extra journey time.”
Wirral Council would like to remind motorists of the following advice:
Before departing on journeys, motorist should ensure their vehicles are in full working order, and remember that stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.
Visibility is key in winter; snow or ice should be cleared from the roof of vehicles as well as all windows. Snow or ice not removed can fall onto the windscreen obscuring the view or can be a hazard to other road users.
Drivers should also carry an ice-scraper or de-icer for their return journeys.
De-mist windows – don’t try driving looking though a “porthole” of semi-cleared window.
Once on the road, gentle maneuvers are the key to safe driving.
Drivers should always apply brakes gently and release them and de-clutch if the car skids.
Before every journey, check headlights are working.
Tyres are the only contact cars have with the road – Drivers should regularly check tyre tread and pressure
THE ECHO
Wirral Council transport chiefs have reassured drivers that road salt and grit stocks are "more than adequate" as snow is predicted to head northwards this weekend.
London is on high alert with fleets of gritters and de-icing trucks to avoid a repeat of the travel chaos in February, when a thick blanket of snow paralysed the capital and the entire bus network was shut down.
The Met Office said the flurries affecting the south were set to continue well into the weekend with the coldest temperatures expected on Sunday, when the snow may start to move north.
A Wirral council spokesman said: “We have what we believe is a more than adequate stock of salt in preparation for the forecasted cold snap and we will make every effort to maintain this throughout the winter months.
"Whenever the weather demands it, our gritting teams will be out pre-salting to prevent ice forming on all major commuter roads and main bus routes in Wirral, along with other major strategic routes used by emergency vehicles.
“It is important to add, however, that gritting only reduces the risk of dangerous conditions for drivers – it cannot remove the risk altogether. Motorists should always drive with extreme caution in icy weather and reduce their speed.
“Motorists are urged to drive carefully and allow extra journey time.”
Wirral Council would like to remind motorists of the following advice:
Before departing on journeys, motorist should ensure their vehicles are in full working order, and remember that stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.
Visibility is key in winter; snow or ice should be cleared from the roof of vehicles as well as all windows. Snow or ice not removed can fall onto the windscreen obscuring the view or can be a hazard to other road users.
Drivers should also carry an ice-scraper or de-icer for their return journeys.
De-mist windows – don’t try driving looking though a “porthole” of semi-cleared window.
Once on the road, gentle maneuvers are the key to safe driving.
Drivers should always apply brakes gently and release them and de-clutch if the car skids.
Before every journey, check headlights are working.
Tyres are the only contact cars have with the road – Drivers should regularly check tyre tread and pressure
THE ECHO
