Beware of icy conditions on Devon's roads

Icy conditions could be a problem on Devon’s roads tomorrow (Wednesday 29 January) as another cold night is in store this evening.

The main gritting routes in the county are already being treated by Devon County Council’s gritters this afternoon and they will continue their efforts overnight.

While the possibility of snow is only forecast for Dartmoor, wintry showers are forecast on areas of high ground, although they are set to die out in the early hours.

Road surface temperatures are expected to drop below zero across large parts of the county, with East Devon again the lowest at -1.3 C, and the County Council is repeating its message to take extra care when heading out.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Yesterday’s forecast was pretty accurate and our highways teams were working around the clock last night to keep roads as free from ice as possible. They’ll be doing the same tonight and then monitoring conditions. However, there is always the possibility of icy patches and that risk will remain overnight and into tomorrow morning.

“The ongoing wet weather and slightly lower road surface temperatures mean that people should still exercise caution when travelling overnight and tomorrow morning. We can only treat the most heavily trafficked roads, which is around 20% of our highway network, but the more minor roads remain untreated and are likely to be hazardous, particularly in areas where water from adjoining land is running onto the roads and becoming icy.”

Devon County Council is issuing the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.

For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert