Drivers urged to stay alert in weather warning (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Drivers urged to stay alert in weather warning

4:32pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in Local

By Robert Cox

MORE snow has been forecast for this weekend, with road users warned to take extra precautions.

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert for severe weather covering all regions of England.

The latest band of snow will spread east across the country tomorrow and into Saturday morning, according to Met Office forecasts. By Saturday evening, wet and windy weather will combine with melting ice to create a risk of localised flooding.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the agency’s national traffic operations centre said: “We have been working hard to keep motorways and major A-roads running throughout winter and particularly over the last couple of weeks.

“With another flurry of snow expected, we ask people to remain alert and continue to take care when travelling.”

Before setting out drivers are advised to check their local media for updated weather and travel advice and consider delaying their journeys if necessary.

When on the road, sudden manoeuvres should be avoided and extra room left for braking.

Mr Crosthwaite added: “We are using salt to treat the roads and have ploughs and snow blowers on standby if necessary. Our traffic officers are working around the clock to monitor conditions, deal with any incidents and keep traffic moving.

“Despite forecasts of milder weather for next week, we will still be on standby to deal with severe weather at any time.”

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website, highways.gov.uk/traffic