Due to the heavy snowfall, many schools have closed across the country while the West Mercia Police advises motorists to only travel if necessary. England’s Road Safety is working hard to keep the motorways and major roads open after the heavy snowfall that the area experienced the past 24-hours.
The safety of the road users is the top priority, and England’s Head of Road Safety encourages road users to work from home or use public transport until the conditions approve. They also advise road users to check that their vehicles are ready for a journey in the snow, monitor the weather reports, plan their routes carefully and pack a snow kit of food, blankets, water, and shovels before travelling in a vehicle.
Road users are also encouraged to reduce speeds, as the snow is not settling and can be slippery with ice patches. Yesterday’s massive snowfall created dangerous and difficult driving conditions where many bus services have been suspended, trains cancelled, and trains being delayed.
The A458 was closed between Shrewsbury and Middletown after a vehicle crashed into an electricity pole and brought down cables. The A5 has also been closed between Shrewsbury and Wellington in both directions until further notice.
Areas that have also been closed until further notice is 9 Telford to Wolverhampton, 18 Telford to Much Wenlock, 96 Telford to Shrewsbury, with the following services that are suspended until further notice: Dial-a-ride Abbots Wood, Aquamira, Albert Road, Telford College King and Haybridge campuses.
The weather forecast looks a bit positive towards Wednesday with the weather turning less windy and cold with rain showers. Towards Friday the weather should dry with spells of sunshine.
Steve Ramsdale, Chief of Meteorologist, said that there had been substantial snowfall areas in central England and Wales, which could still cause a problem as we start the new working week. After a cold evening, some snow might have settled into ice areas.
Today’s weather forecast is freezing cold conditions with a high of 1 ºC although it will be a dry day with sunshine.