Hundreds of gritters and snow ploughs are being readied to keep roads clear as the country prepares for freezing temperatures sweeping southwards this week.
Widespread criticism was heaped on authorities last year for their slow response to a cold snap and snow falls that caused travel chaos. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling was forced to admit the government's handling had been a disgrace.
" All of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold. "-Government minister Malcolm Wicks
He pledged there would be no repeat of the scenes of last year when some drivers on the M11 motorway spent up to 20 hours in their cars, stuck without food, heat or water.
This year the Highways Agency says it has 700 gritters and snow ploughs on 24-hour standby in order to avoid similar scenes.
"All motorways and trunk roads will be pre-salted," the agency said.
Arctic-like conditions are expected throughout the country with snow flurries anticipated as far south as Portsmouth by mid-week.
The Met Office predicts temperatures will fall to minus seven and eight Celsius. But with icy blasts, the wind chill factor could make it feel more like minus 14 in the north.
Motorists are being told to check their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, to top up radiators with anti-freeze and to plan for possible emergencies like being stuck in snow.
BIG PAYOUT FOR BIG CHILL
The cold weather could trigger cash payments from the government to about 11.5 million people to help keep them warm.
Payments of up to 300 pounds will be paid to the elderly and most vulnerable should temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Extreme cold spells are often followed by an increase in deaths among the poorly and elderly, many of whom worry about the extra cost of turning up the heating.
Malcolm Wicks, the government minister responsible for the elderly, said people should look out for each other.
"All of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold."
Widespread criticism was heaped on authorities last year for their slow response to a cold snap and snow falls that caused travel chaos. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling was forced to admit the government's handling had been a disgrace.
" All of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold. "-Government minister Malcolm Wicks
He pledged there would be no repeat of the scenes of last year when some drivers on the M11 motorway spent up to 20 hours in their cars, stuck without food, heat or water.
This year the Highways Agency says it has 700 gritters and snow ploughs on 24-hour standby in order to avoid similar scenes.
"All motorways and trunk roads will be pre-salted," the agency said.
Arctic-like conditions are expected throughout the country with snow flurries anticipated as far south as Portsmouth by mid-week.
The Met Office predicts temperatures will fall to minus seven and eight Celsius. But with icy blasts, the wind chill factor could make it feel more like minus 14 in the north.
Motorists are being told to check their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, to top up radiators with anti-freeze and to plan for possible emergencies like being stuck in snow.
BIG PAYOUT FOR BIG CHILL
The cold weather could trigger cash payments from the government to about 11.5 million people to help keep them warm.
Payments of up to 300 pounds will be paid to the elderly and most vulnerable should temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Extreme cold spells are often followed by an increase in deaths among the poorly and elderly, many of whom worry about the extra cost of turning up the heating.
Malcolm Wicks, the government minister responsible for the elderly, said people should look out for each other.
"All of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold."
