Norfolk Police urge caution as temperatures plummet
Black ice could form on the roads
Motorists are being advised to take extra care on Norfolk's roads tonight (11 February) as temperatures are expected to drop even further.
Although we can expect fewer snow showers with more fine and dry weather forecast for the next few days, temperatures are set to drop significantly below zero this evening and into tomorrow.
Driving conditions are likely to worsen as temperatures continue to fall, and motorists are once more 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 Inspector Jason Selvarajah of Norfolk Police 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.
"Any journey we make under current lockdown rules should be for essential purposes only and partner agencies are working hard to make the roads as safe as possible. 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."
Police have been liaising with partners including Norfolk County Council throughout the day and will continue to do as we move into the evening and into tomorrow.
Cllr Martin Wilby, 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 -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 GP and Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:
"With continued cold weather forecast we would like to remind people travelling to Covid-19 vaccination sites to take great care on the roads and to wrap up warm. People should attend their appointments if they feel safe to do so, but if you have concerns about travelling don't put yourselves at risk. Your appointment can be rebooked.
"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.
"We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in running our vaccination sites, our clinical and nursing staff, admin and reception teams and also our volunteers, the emergency services and council teams who have been going above and beyond to keep the vaccination sites open.
"Everyone is working long hours and making personal sacrifices to get local people protected from Covid-19 as quickly as possible so things can start to become more normal again sooner rather than later."
Norfolk Police has offered the following advice for motorists who need to make essential journeys:
Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow, frost and condensation before setting off on a journey - it is illegal to drive with obscured vision.
Ensure that dirt, salt and snow are cleared away from light fixtures.
Clear snow from the top of the car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving.
Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.
If you get stuck in the snow stay with your car but in an emergency, if you do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.
Allow extra time for your journey.
Reduce speed gradually - sharp braking in freezing conditions can result in a skid.
Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Make sure you have sufficient fuel.
Make sure you have plenty of layers and blankets.
Take a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Take provisions with you for long periods of time in your car.
Members of the public are asked to report any non-urgent matters online. In an emergency, always dial call 999.