WITH Cumbria being amongst the coldest places in the UK, Cumberland Council is advising caution in line with the drop in temperatures.
Cumberland Council's director of Highways and Transport, Karl Melville, highlighted proactive measures being implemented to combat icy road conditions during bone-chilling temperatures.
The announcement follows after Keswick recorded a minus 6.1 degrees on Wednesday evening. According to the Met Office, these temperatures mark the lowest in November since 2010 in parts of Cumbria.
"Cumberland Council’s Highways Team treat Cumberland’s road network with around 500 tonnes of grit salt every day when temperatures dip like they have in recent days.
"I would encourage drivers to take caution when using the road network through the winter months.
"Although it looks sunny in the daytime, the icy conditions can still be very treacherous," he said.
🌦️ Showers affecting coastal areas this afternoon may fall as snow over any hills
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 1, 2023
🌤️ Drier inland with sunshine across much of the UK
🌡️ Feeling cold with temperatures remaining in single figures pic.twitter.com/UCx2g733mD
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow and amber cold-health alerts, specifically covering northern regions of England until December 5.
Weather forecasts predict a sustained cold spell for the upcoming week, with daytime temperatures struggling to reach above single figures and overnight temperatures expected to remain below freezing.
"This advice also applies to pedestrians who are using public walkways on housing estates, public footpaths, and in shopping centres.
"Take extra care and be very careful when out walking especially on untreated surfaces," he said.
In line with the cold weather, the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) is issuing payments of £25 to households, which happens when temperatures fall below freezing for seven consecutive days.
To qualify for the cold weather payments however, you must be receiving either Pension Credit; Income Support; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest.
Postcodes in Carlisle, Brampton, Wetheral, Keswick, Windermere and Kendal are eligible for the payment.
To view whether you are eligible to receive the payment, search your postcode here - www.coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk/search.php
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