Winter weather travel tips

Birmingham City Council has urged motorists and businesses in the city to take a few simple steps which will help them ‘be prepared’ for the onset of the snow, ice and cold weather this winter.

As well as urging drivers to consider whether trips are essential before they head out officials are also advising drivers to:

Consider whether you can walk / cycle / use public transport / car pool / share vehicles with others
Keep petrol levels up in case you get stuck unexpectedly in traffic
Avoid travelling at peak times if you can
Restrict your speed
Stick to larger roads but be aware you need to drive carefully even where gritting has occurred

Cllr Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Regeneration, said: “Keeping the city and its roads safe and moving throughout the winter is of critical importance to residents and businesses in Birmingham alike, which is why we carefully plan to ensure we are well prepared for whatever the weather may throw at us each year.

“Our winter maintenance programme, which includes gritting, plays a key part in this. But residents and motorists themselves also have a very important role to play by taking simple precautions and modifying their behaviour to suit wider weather conditions.”

Drivers are also being urged to carry key supplies in their vehicle to help keep them safe and warm in case they get stuck in traffic or breakdown. Key equipment motorists should consider keeping with them include:

Bottled water
Long life snacks
First Aid Kit
Torch and batteries
Mobile phone and cigar plug lead
Useful telephone numbers
Blankets and warm clothing
Waterproof clothing and boots

Another important way commuters and shoppers can help reduce pressure on the road network and potential traffic jams in poor weather is to try and stagger journey times away from the usual morning and teatime rush hours.

Weather Updates

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2102

Met Office: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wm/wm_forecast_weather.html