Today (Thursday 16 November) the Highways Agency is launching its promotion for the safe use of the strategic roads network over the winter, with advice for motorists on how to prepare for the unpredictable severe conditions that can occur rapidly and disrupt the road network.
The Freight Transport Association strongly supports the Agency's approach in providing information on driving on its roads in the winter and urges the transport industry to ensure that its messages on safety and welfare are communicated to all fleet drivers.
The Agency's message, backed by the Minister for Road Safety, Stephen Ladyman, is intended to ensure that motorists remain safe and is also intended to provide a reliable road network for all road users, helping to reduce incidents which can cost millions of pounds in delays and lost deliveries to the road freight industry.
FTA is eager to assist the Agency in ensuring that accurate information is passed on to the freight industry that could assist fleet operators with planning and scheduling. Drawing from data supplied from the National Traffic Control Centre, the Association supplies traffic updates that include severe weather warnings to fleet operators at regular intervals, providing transport office planners with proactive messages regarding incidents on the Highways Agency network.
Copies of 'Driving on roads in winter' are available from Highways Agency Publications by calling 0870 1226 236.
Live Highways Agency traffic information is available on the FTA website www.fta.co.uk