The AA is alerting drivers that the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice at the weekend and into next week.
The alerts, which warn some travel disruption is likely, cover northern parts of Scotland on Sunday and Monday. There is also another warning for the whole of Northern Ireland on Monday. The AA predicts that Wednesday could see an almost 50% increase in workload due to adverse conditions with another spike on Thursday.
The AA and Met Office have said that some roads are likely to be affected, with icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The AA is issuing travel advice for drivers and urges drivers to check forecasts before venturing out. In the most affected areas drivers are asked to consider if the journey is necessary. In hard hit areas those who still need to make essential trips, are warned that roads will be hazardous, so extreme caution is advised.
Nick Powell, AA patrol of the year, says: “If you must travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted. Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge if driving an electric vehicle (EV).
“Before setting off, check the condition of your tyres (including the spare). It’s important to fully de-ice the car which includes clearing snow from the windows, lights and roof so you can see and be seen.
“It’s also worth having winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, and a flask of hot drink. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worst should happen.
“The cold snap is also impacting vehicle breakdown levels, with faults such as flat batteries and wiper faults.”
Further advice on winter driving is available at https://climb-structure.live/driving-advice/seasonal/winter%3C/a%3E%C2%A0and a winter travel checklist can be found at https://climb-structure.live/driving-advice/seasonal/winter-checklist%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Live traffic updates are available at https://climb-structure.live/route-planner/traffic-news%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/article%3E%3C%21--/$--%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="sidebar">