Devon motorists warned of icy driving conditions overnight

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
30 November 2009

Drivers are warned about icy conditions overnight

MOTORISTS are being warned of possible icy roads overnight and early tomorrow morning, as Devon County Council prepares to salt its entire network for the first time this winter.

Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -3C on Dartmoor and the rest of Devon will plummet below freezing.

The concern is that following the heavy rain over the weekend, there may still be some surface water run-off, and if that becomes icy then driving conditions could become treacherous, especially on untreated routes.

Devon County Council's gritters will be out in force right across the county from 6pm this evening, treating around 1,650 miles on all of the county's 48 salting routes. Further inspections will be carried out early tomorrow morning.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "After the torrential rain we've just had, ice could become a problem in some areas. This is the first real cold snap we've had this winter so it's worth remembering that even on roads that have been salted, ice can still form. I would urge motorists driving overnight and tomorrow morning to take care."

Motorists are being reminded of the following advice:

Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

Never assume a road has been salted - remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice. In very cold weather even salting will not stop ice from forming;

Allow extra time for your journey and reduce your speed;

Listen to local radio for updates on current conditions;

Drive with care and according to the conditions.

For more information visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel