Freight Best Practice News

10 November 2006

Autumn 2006 may be warmer than average, but the Highways Agency and Freight Best Practice team are warning industry not to be complacent about being ready for bad winter weather.

To beat the worst of the weather, truck drivers and operators are being urged to check their route and weather conditions using travel bulletins provided by the media and road and weather information services such as those provided by the Highways Agency and the Met Office from the National Traffic Control Centre in the West Midlands.

Launching the Highways Agency’s winter information programme last week, the Minister for Road Safety, Dr Stephen Ladyman, said:

‘I am delighted that more and more road users are checking the forecast and travel information before they set out. The Highways Agency and the Met Office are working together to give the best, up to date information about road and weather conditions for England’s motorways and major A roads. The Highways Agency is on stand-by to keep roads free of ice and snow, but fog, heavy rain and strong winds are as much part of the British winter and they can make driving hazardous too. It makes sense to be ready for the worst of winter.’

Alongside the Highways Agency’s new information services for drivers, the Agency also has its traditional winter service of salt stocks and gritting vehicles ready to go into action whenever temperatures fall.

Peter Binham spokesperson for the Freight Best Practice programme said:

‘Truck drivers – as well as other motorists need to take extra precautions during the winter months. While many car journeys are avoidable in the worst conditions, goods are expected to be delivered all year round whatever the weather.

‘Our free, Safe Driving Tips pocket guide provides guidance on driving lorries in bad weather of all kinds, and gives examples of best practice. The professional truck driver sets high standards and their experience, knowledge and best practice advice can indeed be helpful for all road users.’