Choosing Your Route In Severe Weather

The Highways Agency looks after England’s motorways and major A roads, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council look after all the other roads in our area. Both work as hard as they can to keep their networks clear during severe weather.

• Stick to the main roads where you can and avoid exposed routes.

You should drive with care and respect the road conditions wherever you drive, but not every road can be treated.  You need to take even more care driving on minor roads.

Even if the time and location of snowfall is perfectly forecast, it will still take time to clear the snow after it has fallen.  Remember though, snow ploughs can’t get through if the road or motorway is full of stationary traffic, so give Highways Agency and local authority teams the space they need to do their job and help you on your journey!

Steep hills and exposed roads are also likely to present more challenging driving conditions, so if you could avoid these it might make your journey easier.

For more information visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

• Check weather updates

Take weather conditions into account when planning your route by visiting The Met Office website or listening to local radio broadcasts.

• Timing

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 crews to do their work clearing the roads? It all helps.

Remember, in severe weather you will need to allow more time for your journey. If severe weather is forecast are you able to change your travel plans?  Can you work at home, for example?