Bitter freeze conditions have struck Kent, London, and Essex, with temperatures plunging below zero and leaving the regions snowbound. Nearly the entire UK is currently under a yellow weather warning for ice, issued by the Met Office. This warning is in effect from 3am to 2pm on Sunday, December 18.
Despite gritting efforts throughout the week, roads remain treacherous due to persistent ice. Drivers in these areas face the combined hazards of black ice, snow, and ground frost, making travel hazardous.
National Highways has issued urgent safety advice to help motorists navigate these conditions safely and reach their destinations before Christmas. They emphasize the importance of carrying a comprehensive winter driving kit, including:
- Water de-icer
- Food supplies
- Warm clothes
- Ice scraper
- Fully charged phone and car charger
- Torch
- Blankets
- Boots
- Snow shovel
- Sunglasses to block low winter sun glare
Drivers are also urged to exercise extra caution on icy roads. National Highways warns that stopping distances can be up to ten times longer in icy conditions. Key driving tips include accelerating gently using low revs, staying in a high gear to prevent wheel spin, sticking to main roads where possible, and being particularly careful at junctions where road markings may be obscured by ice or snow.
Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, stated: “Keeping a winter kit in your vehicle is vital. Freezing temperatures bring snow and ice hazards, so plan ahead and allow extra travel time to avoid getting caught out.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
