Drivers who fail to do one thing before setting off on Wednesday face £60 fine

Drivers have been urged to do one thing before heading out in the snow or risk a £60 fine. Drivers, road users and motorists are being warned they must ensure their vehicle is completely clear of the white stuff before setting off.

Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase stressed drivers could be issued an “instant fine”. Bryn said: “On a bracingly cold morning with snow all around you, it might seem tempting to just get into your car and drive, relying on your wipers to clear any snow.

“But it is absolutely crucial that all of the snow on your vehicle be removed so you can drive safely and not have it fall into your field of view while driving. It might be surprising, but police have the power to issue an instant £60 fine and three penalty points if they see snow on your vehicle or falling off while you are driving.”

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National Highways has 535 gritters on hand, with over 240,000 tonnes of rock salt held at National Highways-owned salt barns – which is equivalent to 240 million kilograms of salt. For added snow power, all gritters can be fitted with snowploughs if necessary.

In snow and icy conditions, vehicles including HGVs can still lose traction and find it difficult to manoeuvre on steep inclines, which can result in roads getting blocked by stranded heavy vehicles, hindering gritters. The TRIP initiative is part of National Highways’ ongoing commitment to safer roads, aiming to keep traffic moving smoothly and minimise weather-related incidents.

National Highways has warned only 34% travel with water, yet nearly two thirds (62%) believe it to be vital and only 10% confirmed they have emergency food in their cars, whilst almost half (47%) consider it to be a. Only half of road users have de-icer in their vehicles, yet almost three quarters (74%) of those surveyed believe they ought to.

A shocking 64% of people travel without extra layers or warm clothes. And only 21% travel with a fully charged mobile phone, but 60% know they should.