Police are advising the public to only travel if essential, following an upgrading in the weather warning for snow, affecting large areas of Devon.
The amber weather warning was put in place at 2pm today, 31st January by the Met Office. The warning remains in place for tomorrow.
Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of Roads Policing for the Alliance, said: “We are aware of the upgraded weather warning for this afternoon and tomorrow, which is an amber warning for snow encompassing parts of Devon and Dorset.
“It is vitally important that the public take these warnings seriously. It is in place from 2pm today meaning that it will impact rush hour traffic, therefore we advise that people give serious consideration to their journey home from work and the school runs; we recommend that people do not travel unless essential.
“The biggest reoccurring error that we see from road users is that during times of severe weather, they do not alter their driving habits. Many of us have the luxury of a car with air con and mod cons that see us in a protective bubble, and can see drivers oblivious to the perilous conditions on the roads.
“Please can all road users reduce their speed, give extra breaking distance between them and the vehicle in front, and if you must travel, leave both extra time for your journey and prepare for the worst – ensure you have a full tank, food and water in the vehicle, shovel and stop signs, a full charged phone and warm clothing; all the things to prepare you in-case of a breakdown.
“Let’s learn from the severe weather of last year. Please heed these weather warnings, and only travel if essential.”
The amber weather warning is in place until 9pm tomorrow, with the Met Office stating: “Heavy snow likely on Thursday afternoon and evening,”
For the latest on the weather, please see the Met Office weather warning webpage: www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings for the latest on roads affected, please see the Traffic watch website on www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/news/traffic-watch.
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