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Highways Agency advise West Midlands motorists to prepare for snow

Government Communications (NDS)

9 February 2012

The Highways Agency is advising drivers to follow four simple steps if they are planning to travel in adverse weather:* Be informed - check traffic and weather updates * Be prepared - check your vehicle is ready for winter and always carry an emergency kit * Be aware - in severe weather our winter teams need the time and space to do their job* Be wise - conditions may change, drive with care The Highways Agency, which is responsible for motorways and other major roads in England, is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and to maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.Highways Agency Traffic Officers based in the West Midlands regional control centre in Quinton are monitoring weather and traffic conditions and are ready to respond to any incidents as well as using electronic message signs to warn and advise drivers of conditions. On-road Traffic Officers will be on standby to respond quickly to any incidents with the Highways Agency's contractors and vehicle removal service also on alert. Darren Clark, Highways Agency winter specialist, said:“We are well prepared for this winter. We have a fleet of 500 winter vehicles on stand-by – 60 in the West Midlands alone, supported by tried and tested severe weather plans. We have also reviewed salt stock levels and have again established a reserve salt stock to help ensure that there is enough salt to deal with severe winter."Road users are reminded to plan for their journeys before setting out, checking the forecast, road conditions and leaving extra time if travel conditions are poor or to delay their journeys if the weather becomes severe. They are also advised to be prepared and carry warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow."Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is also available on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling the Highways Agency Information Line at 0300 123 5000. Follow us on Twitter for the latest information on roads - regional Twitter feeds are also available with a full list of links at www.highways.gov.uk/twitter. We have a special Twitter channel for winter @winterhighways with regular information about major incidents, weather alerts, advice and updates.For the Highways Agency's advice to road users this winter, "Make time for winter" visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter and for information on weather conditions drivers can visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio. Ends