When the weather isn’t great travelling can take a little more time. By spending time preparing for the snow and ice we can help keep Stockport moving.
Be prepared
If you’re planning to drive, check your vehicle is ready for winter. Regularly servicing, and checking your vehicle is in good running order before setting out, will reduce your chances of breaking down on the road.
- Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator
- Make sure your lights are clean and check the bulbs
- Ensure your windscreen is clean
- Replace the battery if it's not reliable
- Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them before the tread has reached the legal minimum
Always carry an emergency kit including:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
- Warm clothes and blankets - for you and all passengers
- Boots
- First aid kit
- Jump leads
- A shovel
- Road atlas
- Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
Before each journey:
Clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights and number plates. Make sure you can see clearly and be seen.
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged - but don't use while driving.
Take some food and a warm drink in a flask in case you get stuck. Don't forget to take any personal medication too!
Check the latest weather forecast and traffic reports for your journey. It could make all the difference.
Avoid non-essential travel if the weather is particularly bad and particularly at night when temperatures are usually at their lowest and darkness makes hazards less obvious. Allow extra times for your essential travel and reduce your speed when driving.
Watch out!
Even after roads have been treated in winter, driving conditions may remain challenging, especially on stretches where the local road layout or landscape means there is a greater risk of ice forming.
Watch out for locations where you may need to drive more carefully. Some common examples are:
- Changes in road elevation or exposure
- Where the road passes under or over a bridge
- Things at the side of the road that shade the carriageway, such as trees and bridges
- When you leave a busy road, where the amount of traffic has helped keep the road clear and turn into a quieter side road or slip road
- Bends in the road where there is a greater risk of loss of control. Reduce your speed when approaching a bend and don't brake suddenly.
It’s important to give the gritting vehicles and snow ploughs plenty of room - be patient, don’t follow too closely behind or park where it might prevent gritters from treating key routes.
Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians – they can be difficult to see in bad conditions.
Public Transport
Winter weather may cause disruption for public transport operators so be sure to check before you leave. For the latest news on buses, trains and metrolink visit www.tfgm.com
Your local radio and TV news will also have up to date information on disruptions or changes to services.