Drivers 'should check road conditions before setting out on Thursday'

Date: 17/2/2010

Drivers in England have been advised to plan their journeys before they set out and check road conditions and the forecast tomorrow (February 18th) as the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning.

According to the weather agency, rain is expected to turn increasingly to snow as it moves north-eastwards throughout the day.

Some areas are expected to see snow fall of five to ten centimetres throughout the day.

Drivers in South West England and the East and West Midlands are advised to be particularly cautious.

The Highways Agency recommends leaving extra time for journeys if travel conditions are poor and delaying journeys if weather conditions become very bad.

Motorists should also take warm clothing, food, water, a torch and a shovel with them in case of emergencies.

They should also allow more time to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop when roads are icy, the agency warns.

Britain has already suffered its coldest winter for 30 years, with many train and bus services being disrupted since the beginning of the year.