National Highways gears up to help motorists move safely this winter

AS THE winter takes hold and temperatures drop, National Highways is preparing a nationwide operation to help keep England’s motorways and major A-roads safe – whatever the weather.

Last winter alone, National Highways’ fleet of 530 gritters covered more than 1.5million miles, the equivalent of driving around the Earth over 60 times.

Each gritter can weigh anything from 18 – 26 tonnes fully loaded, with the largest able to carry 11 tonnes of rock salt. In total, teams carried out more than 23,000 gritting runs during the winter to keep traffic flowing safely.

Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Adviser at National Highways, said: “Our work through the colder months is about more than just keeping traffic moving – it’s about keeping the country connected.“Our network of 4,500 miles of motorways and A roads are the backbone of the nation’s supply chains, ensuring life-saving medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, fuel, chemicals, and food reach every corner of England, even in severe weather.“For example, hospital oxygen supplies often travel from Scotland via the M6 and A1, so it’s vital these routes remain open to keep critical deliveries moving.

“This preparation is a huge undertaking and begins months in advance to keep commuters moving, help millions visit friends and family, and help carry two-thirds of all freight that supports trade and investment across the UK. And none of that stops in winter.”

Just as teams and equipment are ready for whatever winter brings, drivers are being urged to check their vehicles, plan their journeys and make sensible choices when conditions turn challenging.

Between December 2024 and February 2025, there were 67,768 recorded breakdowns, highlighting the importance of preparation, such as checking your vehicle and the weather forecast, during the colder months.

As winter begins and road conditions become more unpredictable, National Highways is launching its annual winter T.R.I.P. campaign to encourage drivers to prepare for journeys properly, as colder weather sets in and road conditions become more challenging with the likes of snow, ice, and rain.

The acronym T.R.I.P. promotes four simple steps to prepare drivers using motorways and major A roads this winter:

• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash

• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue

• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread

• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions

Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, added: “Winter can throw all sorts at us, but together we can help to make journeys safe and smooth as possible Our dedicated teams will be out day and night to keep our roads clear and reliable.“Simple steps like checking your vehicle, packing a winter emergency kit can all help drivers to be safe when faced with snow, ice, or heavy rain.”