Gritters at ready after severe weather warning
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hundreds of gritting lorries and snowploughs are on standby to prevent chaos on roads and rail when severe weather arrives in Britain next week.
Emergency operations are being finalised amid forecasts that temperatures will drop as low as minus 8C from Monday, followed by heavy snow.
The Highways Agency was forced to improve its procedures after it failed to deal with severe winter weather almost a year ago, which resulted in gridlock on major roads in the South-east despite warnings from forecasters.
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for 5,100 miles of England's motorways and trunk roads, has told its contractors to treat roads for the "worst-case scenario". An agency spokeswoman said: "Over the past year we have tested and retested our winter service plans. The public should be assured that all motorways and trunk roads will be pre-salted."
Network Rail will have 90 specialised trains ready this weekend to plough or blow snow out of the way and a team of engineers will be checking automatic heaters at points to prevent freezing.
The cold snap is expected to begin tomorrow in Scotland, spreading southwards, bringing snowfall to parts of England and Wales. By Tuesday there will be a risk of heavy snow across the UK.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments