Coordinated response to keep Wiltshire moving
Emergency services, health agencies and local authorities are coordinating their work and resources to keep Wiltshire moving during the current spate adverse weather conditions.
Partners are liaising on a regular basis to make sure public services continue as normal despite difficulties on roads in the county.
Police, ambulance and fire services are operating normally and responding to callouts.
Key main roads are being kept open and are passable with care. But there are roads and pavements that are not regularly treated with salt as a matter of course and people are urged to exercise extreme care
where they can see this is the case.
Health and council services are operating well. Particular attention is being paid to looking after older people and those who may be vulnerable in these conditions.
The councils continue to work hard to keep strategic main roads clear by using snowploughs. Some salting is also taking place.
The councils are also working to bolster supplies of salt to increase reserves.
People can check both Wiltshire and Swindon council websites for details of which roads the authorities are concentrating on keeping clear during the bad weather.
Swindon and Wiltshire councils have said they will help emergency services to reach any location if access is asked for.
Wiltshire Police will continue to issue traffic incident advice for the public and the media on its website www.wiltshire.police.uk
Weather update
More severe weather is likely tonight and over the weekend – and this will include freezing ice conditions as road temperatures drop. This will lead to hazardous conditions on roads and pavements, particularly
where they have not been treated.
Snow levels on Salisbury Plain could lead to flood alerts next week if the snow melts quickly. There could be more water on roads during the day and dangerous ice forming in freezing conditions.
How people can help
* People are urged only to travel if their journey is essential.
* If you do have to travel, exercise extreme care on the roads and pavements because of the hazardous weather conditions. Drive appropriately to the weather conditions.
* You can help to keep road traffic levels down – which in turn helps emergency and other key service providers keep moving.
* Please only call 999 when it is a real emergency.
* If you are using public transport, make sure you check with the service operator (plane, train, bus, coach) before setting out on your journey. Where possible access websites for information updates.
* If possible, try to make alternative arrangements with your employer to work from home during the bad weather.
* Look out for your neighbours – check those around you are keeping well, especially older people and those with disabilities.
* Enjoy the snow responsibly. Make sure you wrap up warm in appropriate clothing. Keep an eye on those you are responsible for to make sure they are also wearing the right clothes.
* Wear good strong footwear – and be aware of the icy conditions.
* If you are playing with snowballs, do so responsibly. If you are sledging, make sure you check the route you will use is safe and free of any potentially dangerous objects.