Warning over “treacherous” roads as temperatures plunge

Motorists are being advised to take extra care on Norfolk’s roads tonight as temperatures are expected to plummet, leading to treacherous and icy roads.

Although we can expect fewer snow showers – with more fine and dry weather forecast for the next few days –  temperatures will drop significantly below zero this evening and into tomorrow.

Driving conditions are likely to worsen as temperatures continue to fall and motorists are being urged to travel only if it is absolutely necessary. The plea comes at a time when any journey should be for a reasonable excuse under current lockdown rules.

T/Chief Insp Jason Selvarajah said: “We have seen the worst of the snow now but we’re still experiencing sub-zero temperatures and as we move into the evening, temperatures will drop further still. While the roads may look clearer there will be hidden dangers and motorists need to be cautious of black ice and treacherous road conditions, particularly on untreated roads.

“The best we can do is keep off the roads, but if your journey is absolutely necessary, please drive to the conditions. Emergency services, particularly our colleagues in the NHS, are stretched with the demands of covid-19 and we would ask people to play their part in this collective effort and do everything they can not to overburden these services unnecessarily.”

Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: “It’s a bitterly cold night forecast and road surface temperatures are set to be well below freezing across the county, dipping to minus 9 in parts of west Norfolk.

 “The plunging temperatures are likely to be the main issue over the next 24 hours so highway teams will be continuing the huge efforts to keep the network running and will be gritting this afternoon, evening and overnight. With such low temperatures, anyone making an essential journey must take extra caution tonight, and on Thursday morning, even on the priority treated routes.”

Dr Anoop Dhesi, a local GP and chairman of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group said people with appointments for their covid-19 vaccinations should go if it was safe, but stressed: “If you have concerns about travelling don’t put yourselves at risk. Your appointment can be rebooked.”

And he added: “While we appreciate you may have to set off from home early due to the ice and snow, please try to arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. If you arrive before your appointment time please wait in your car. You could bring a blanket, a hot drink and a book or a newspaper to make your wait more comfortable.”