21 December 2009

Please take extra care if you are travelling on the roads today. That’s the message from Assistant Chief Fire Officer Roy Harold following a further fall of snow in parts of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Roy said: “This sort of weather obviously makes driving conditions more difficult than usual. It is well worth checking the latest weather forecasts as the situation can change very quickly.”

The current warning fore the area - icy roads and heavy snow -  is summarised on the Met Office website at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/se_forecast_warnings.html

Roy offered the following advice to anyone planning a journey or driving during adverse weather conditions:

• Travel only if it is absolutely necessary, and allow more time for your journey.
  
  
• Listen to local and national radio for travel and weather information:

         BBC Three Counties Radio - 90.4, 92.1, 94.7, 95.5, 98, 103.8 and 104.5 FM
        
         Heart 97.6 - 97.6 FM
        
         Heart 103.3 - 103.3 FM
      
         Mix 96 - 96.2 FM
       
         Time 106.6 - 106.6 FM

• Slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front.
  
  
• Be prepared when travelling in snow – carry an ice-scraper, de-icer, torch, warm clothes, blanket, boots, spade, food, drink and first aid kit in your vehicle.
  
  
• Check your tyres, lights, wiper blades, anti-freeze and battery, and keep windows and mirrors clear of ice and condensation.