True grit (From The Northern Echo)

True grit

1:46pm Thursday 13th November 2008 in

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THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY bosses are on standby to tackle severe weather on the North-East trunk roads - and have urged motorists to be prepared as well.

Unveiling their preparations yesterday, agency's resilience manager Kevin Hoare urged motorists against complacency and said they had a vital part to play.

Mr Hoare , speaking at the agency's depot in Carrville, Durham, where up to 3,000 tonnes of salt is stored, said: "We work hard to ensure that the network stands up to severe weather.

"We monitor weather conditions and crews are on stand-by top spread salt when temperatures fall or place warning signs about high winds when they are forecast.

"But it is important that drivers play their part too - by ensuring that their vehicle is fit for winter weather conditions and making sure they are prepared should the weather get worse during the course of a journey.

"Weather warnings are issued by the Met Office when severe weather conditions are expected - and we really need road users to listen to those warnings and be prepared."

According to research by the agency, 50 per cent of road users would still continue with a journey even after hearing a severe weather warning.

Mr Hoare said And around a third of road users would not carry out any checks on their vehicles before heading out - reassuringly 92 per cent of road users would seek information on travel conditions before setting off.

Highways Agency traffic officer Richard Morrison urged motorists, including taxi and bus drivers, to keep severe weather kits in their vehicles.

This should include an ice scraper and deicer, a torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first-aid kit, battery, jump leads, a spade and - if is likely to snow - food and drink.

He said: "During the last cold snap we had a mini-bus which had broken down. The passengers had only been there half an hour and they were all frozen.

"So we are urging taxi-drivers and buses to be prepared as well. "

Met Office forecaster at the Highways Agency Dick Porter said: ighH"Even though the Met Office is predicting temperatures to be above average this winter, colder spells could easily catch drivers by surprise."

Drivers and their passengers can call the Highways Agency 24-hour automated phone service on 08700 660 115 for the latest traffic and travel infromation. Or visit the Met Office website on www.metoffice.gov.uk.