ROAD travellers should make sure they are prepared for further cold weather and hazardous conditions, warns Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. With further cold weather expected to hit most parts of Wales this week, he wished to remind people of the dangers of travelling in wintery conditions.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, who is also the Minister for Economy and Transport, advised motorists against making unnecessary journeys, and to be sufficiently prepared.
"The Welsh Assembly Government and our partners in local authorities have been preparing extensively for conditions such as these for the past twelve months." said the Deputy First Minister.
"Over the next few days we will be monitoring the situation around the clock to ensure that we are doing all we can to keep Wales moving. We have been coordinating with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the County Surveyors' Society (CSS) Wales to improve salt stocks throughout Wales in preparation for this winter. There are currently 100,000 tonnes of salt stored for the roads throughout Wales, with further salt ordered and due to be delivered shortly. This will be stored in barns located across the country.
"I would advise drivers to be extremely mindful of the conditions as well as other road users and to take extra special care when driving at night. This can be particularly dangerous and everyone should exercise caution when undertaking journeys in the dark, where the hidden dangers of black ice and non-gritted roads are prevalent.
"We are doing all we can to keep roads open but it is important to remind people that in some cases this simply may not be possible. In areas where snowfalls are very heavy or when temperatures drop to extreme levels, the salt we use becomes far less effective. It is therefore imperative that drivers act responsibly throughout the period and only make journeys that are essential," Mr Jones said.
In severe weather conditions, if you do have to travel, make sure you plan your journey in advance, taking blankets or extra clothing and hot liquids for long journeys. Stick to major routes that are likely to have been salted or gritted.
For the latest traffic information please to check the Traffic Wales website at http://www.traffic-wales.com (or call 029 2062 9424 or 01492 572395) and sign up for the free text and email alert service. For information about public transport in Wales call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.