Dartmoor ice warning as drivers urged to be cautious

People are being asked to be mindful of the conditions and respectful of where they park when visiting Dartmoor or other places on high ground across Devon this weekend. The advice comes as the risk of ice remains due to the cold temperatures.

Whilst the worst of this week’s cold snap may have passed, road surface temperatures are still expected to be at, or below, freezing in many parts of the county. This means that if any snow and ice remains, it is likely to thaw and re-freeze.

In particular, there remains a risk of ice on minor roads across Dartmoor, despite main roads being clear. Devon County Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon & Cornwall Police are urging drivers to take extra care when travelling.

The council’s gritters have been on the roads treating many of the main salting routes, so far this winter more than 3,800 tonnes of salt has been used and 2,000 tonnes of that has been within the past week. However, gritters can’t treat every road on its 8,000 mile network, so care is advised.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “You should expect the possibility that minor roads may still be icy this weekend, particularly routes which are off the salting network. As tempting as it might be to visit locations to see some snow, please think about your journey, wherever you’re headed. You don’t want to put yourself or others at risk, so please take extra care and be considerate of others.”

Richard Drysdale, Dartmoor National Park Authority's Director of Conservation and Communities, said: “Dartmoor is an amazing environment that we all enjoy, but I would ask everyone to please think of others and respect that it's a living and working landscape. People in our local communities still need to get to and from work, emergency services need to be able to access local communities, and farmers need access to their fields and livestock so we need people to heed advice not to park across gateways and to keep their dogs under effective control.”

How is the weather looking?

The Met Office said that temperatures will reach a maximum of five degrees today as temperatures could drop below freezing tonight. The Met Office’s regional weather forecast for the south west said: “Freezing fog patches may linger in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire until this afternoon, otherwise, many eastern counties will be cold with some sunshine.

“Cloudier, somewhat less cold and perhaps a little damp at times in Devon and Cornwall. Maximum temperature 5 °C.”

Tonight’s forecast said: “Cloudier conditions spreading east this evening giving light showers in places. Occasional clear spells developing through the early hours, perhaps allowing some patchy frost and fog later. Not as cold. Minimum temperature -1 °C.”

Chief Inspector Dean Drury, of Devon & Cornwall Roads Policing is asking drivers whether their journeys are necessary due to the icy conditions. He said: “Our officers and staff are aware of the continued forecast of cold and wet weather, which may potentially lead to icy road conditions over this weekend. Officers will be on patrol and working with our partners in Devon County Council and National Highways.

“In line with previous advice, I would still urge drivers to consider whether their journey is necessary and, if not, to consider not driving due to potentially challenging conditions.

“If people do drive, we encourage them to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, with good tyre condition, clear windscreens and windows and to allow plenty of time to make the journey. People should allow for slower speeds and to take into account greater stopping distances that may be required.

“It is important to think about wearing appropriate clothing, carrying a blanket, a charged mobile phone, enough fuel to account for any hold-ups on the road and to consider taking a hot drink in a flask, should you need to stop for an extended period, whilst the weather remains cold. If the journey is necessary, then remember that not all roads will have been treated by gritters, so minor roads may be more icy than main roads, and more care may be needed.”

The following advice has been issued to people during the cold snap:

• Never assume a road has been salted - even in extreme cold conditions salt will not stop ice from forming
• Allow additional time for your journey
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between the vehicle in front
• Drive with care
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, do they need help?
• The NHS recommends that indoor temperatures should be maintained at 18C or above where possible.

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