Improving picture on Devon's roads

FOLLOWING SNOWFALLS overnight, road conditions have gradually been improving throughout the day in Devon, with all main routes now passable with care. The weather is also improving, with patchy sleet or rain forecast for this evening, but cold with a widespread frost and icy patches. However it's possible there may be more snow tomorrow...

Although the conditions have eased during the day, higher parts of the county, on Dartmoor and especially Exmoor, are still experiencing some difficulties, as well as the A39 Lynton to County Gate. Devon County Council says its highways teams are working hard to improve those situations.

DCC says that gritters will be out on most main routes tonight and again tomorrow morning, as road temperatures are set to fall below freezing. Icy conditions are expected, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the county.

Train services

First Great Western is saying that due to the severe weather conditions across parts of its network, services between London Paddington, Bristol and South Wales and services in the Southampton area are currently affected by snow.

Any ticket valid for today will be accepted at any time of the day on its services. Tickets valid for travel today will be accepted on Saturday 19 January should customers wish to amend their date of travel.

Before travelling, First Great Western advises that you check your journey, using JourneyCheck or following company on Twitter @FGW.

Meanwhile South West Trains is concentrating on its mainline services and is running a revised timetable today (Friday 18 January) and tomorrow.

Advice for motorists

If you have do have to travel tonight on the roads, motorists are being reminded of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell; Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.