Driving in bad weather
Take weather conditions into account when planning your route:
- Visit the Met Office website
- Listen to local radio broadcasts
- Save a bookmark to the Highways Agency traffic updates
- Download the iPhone app
- Follow the Highways AgencyTwitter feed
Before you set off
Visit the Highways Agency traffic updateswebsite for:
- Latest traffic reports
- Maps traffic flow on motorways and major A roads
- Motorway Traffic Flow
- Views from CCTV cameras
Always allow extra time in severe weather. Listen to warnings or advice and consider whether or not your journey is essential.
If severe weather is forecast, can you plan your journey to travel before the worst of the weather? Or wait until it has passed? Or at least allow time after the snowfall for winter crews to start clearing and treating the roads? It all helps.
Updates on the move
On overhead message signs - regional control centres will flash up important travel messages warning you of delays and advising of alternative routes. There are also automatic signs telling you how long it will take traffic to reach certain destinations at that time.
When you take a break
On long journeys, consider taking a break at regular intervals - and that's an ideal time to check the traffic conditions on the road ahead.
While you are safely parked, check the latest information via your mobile phone, iPhone or laptop. Never stop on the hard shoulder to do this.
If you have an iPhone, download the Highways Agency iPhone app. If you have another type of smart phone that is web enabled, you can visit the Highways Agencywebsite to access a mobile friendly version. This will allow you to select live updates by road, region or motorway. Remember to never use a mobile while driving.
There are also information points with screens displaying live traffic updates at most motorway service areas.
Follow the Highways Agency on Twitter
These feeds will help you prepare for your winter journey with timely reminders and traffic updates. There are also regional feeds for live traffic information.
For more information on this service and a full index visit Highways Agency: Twitter
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