Overview
- The Met Office has amber and yellow warnings in place for heavy snow and ice across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the cold spell expected to persist.
- Highway Code Rules 228–231 advise against driving unless the trip is essential and set out checks including clearing all windows, lights, number plates, mirrors and the roof.
- Reports highlight a potential £60 fine with three penalty points for driving with snow on a vehicle and up to £2,500 with points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
- Safety guidance urges much slower speeds, far longer stopping distances and extra caution near gritters and snowploughs, with high gear and low speed recommended on ice.
- For unavoidable travel, experts recommend carrying a winter emergency kit and Nextbase suggests using a dash cam to help document incidents in poor weather.