Weather Update From Gloucestershire Police

UPDATE 10:15am

Police are advising drivers that Churchdown Lane is currently closed from the junction of Stump Lane to the Brockworth Road due to the adverse weather conditions.

Friday February 6, 2009

Gloucestershire Constabulary is reiterating its advice to motorists to only travel if absolutely necessary.

There have been no serious incidents on the roads due to the snow and poor weather conditions.

In the main those drivers who are venturing out are driving sensibly and taking account of the poor conditions on many roads.

But areas of note at this time are –

• The A417 is currently very slow in both directions.
• There is currently very heavy snowfall Stroud and Cirencester and conditions here are likely to deteriorate.

Police advise that before any journey you carry out a POWDER check:

Petrol/Diesel – Ensure you have enough for your journey and to allow you to make diversions

Oil – Make sure you have sufficient

Water – Check you have coolant and windscreen washer (use a proper screen wash not plain water)

Damage – Check your vehicle for damage

Electrics – Check your lights, wipers and washers are all working correctly

Rubber – Tyres need to have good tread depth with full coverage, no damage and inflated to the correct pressure

Always allow extra time for your journey; to prepare your vehicle and to allow for slower travelling speeds and delays. Trying to reach a destination within a tight time-scale increases stress and the potential for an incident.

Additional advice for travelling in snow and icy conditions includes:

•        Keep all windows clear. Make sure that you clear all the ice and misting from your windscreen and other windows before starting to drive. Without having a clear view you increase the likelihood of missing vital information and also you commit an offence.

•        Be aware of places where ice (especially black ice) may form. For example sections of roads that stay in shadow throughout the day, such as behind hedges or in dips.

•        Keep your speed steady and slow.

•        Remember that braking distances can more than double on wet or icy road surfaces.

•        Use your brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up and cause you to lose steering control.

•        Apply constant, firm pressure to the brake pedal.

•        Don’t make sudden changes in steering as this increases the potential for loss of control.

•        Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so always slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.

•        If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tyres. Use sand or grit under the drive wheels.

•        Make sure that you have additional clothing, a blanket and some food in your car in case you get stranded. A torch and reflective/fluorescent clothing are also worthwhile to have available.

Police would also like to remind parents and children to take care while enjoying the snow.

Members of the public are asked to listen to their local radio stations for up to date traffic information.