Edward McCarthy (Conservative Candidate for Knowsley Ward) recently spent time with the ‘Highways England’ team from area 10 at their Westhoughton Depot.
Edward reported: “West Lancashire comes under area 10, which includes the M58 and covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and other parts of Lancashire.”
“The Highways England team explained that computer software and Met Office data is used to plan travel flow on an one hour by hour basis during the winter months. One of their weather stations is in fact in Bickerstaffe. The team showed me the range of data they collected and live footage used from the weather station camera. Highways England invest heavily in winter planning, as their winter season lasts from October to April.”
“Highways England meticulously plan when gritters go out and on each route used. One future concern is that gritters can only grit only 2.5 lanes of traffic, this means modifications on the new smart motorways which allow drivers to use the hardshoulder.”
"The team showed me their range of gritters and snow ploughs, and mentioned that during this winter in particular they have not used a lot of grit yet! Whilst there I also discussed our local motorway the M58 with the team.”
Following on from the visit some useful winter driving information-
Breaking down on the road is never a pleasant experience especially if you have to wait for recovery. You will also want your vehicle to be in the best condition to handle difficult driving conditions in severe weather. This handy reminder for pre-journey checks is called the POWDERY checklist:
FUEL Don’t run out of fuel
OIL - check levels once a month
WATER - check radiator and screenwash once a month
DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear, tear or damage
ELECTRICS - check that lights, indicators and controls are working properly
RUBBER - are your tyres well inflated, legal, have good tread and are free from damage?
YOURSELF - are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive? Always carry an emergency kit
Keep the following items in your vehicle from the start of winter, as you never know when you might need them! An ice scraper and de-icer, torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch, warm clothes and blankets - for you and all passengers, boots, First aid kit, Jump leads, a shovel, Road atlas, Sunglasses (the low winter sun and glare off snow can be dazzling)
Be informed – check the latest traffic and weather
• Before you set off in severe and wintry weather it is even more important to plan your journey. Highways England for example, provides the latest traffic updates for England's motorways and major A roads. Download their app or check their website.
• Road and weather conditions may change quickly so drive with care When you are on the road, pay attention to the changing road, traffic and weather conditions. Be ready to slow down and take more care if you need to, particularly on bends and exposed roads. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security - even if you drive every day on the same stretch of road. Additional information and advice on driving in adverse weather conditions is available in the Highway Code or by visiting the gov.uk website.
• For updates whilst on the move listen to the radio for the latest traffic and weather news. On motorways, look out for overhead message signs where the Highways England will flash up important travel messages, including warning of delays and advise of alternative routes.
Contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 or Email [email protected]