1 week Ago By Claire Schofield
Drivers across the UK are being urged to keep their air conditioning on in their cars this week or face paying a £1,000 fine. The warning comes as the UK braces for snow and ice this week, with the Met Office issuing yellow weather alerts across much of the country. The national forecaster has said an arctic air will cause temperatures to plummet as snow is expected to fall in parts of Northern England and southern Scotland on Monday and Tuesday.
The Met Office said up to 20cm (around 8 inches) of snow could fall on higher ground, while up to 10cm (4 inches) may settle at lower levels, creating potentially hazardous conditions for drivers. The yellow warning for snow and ice covers much of southern Scotland, north-east England, parts of Yorkshire, and parts of north-west England, including Lancashire and Cumbria, and is in force from 10am on Monday, November 18, until 10am on Tuesday, November 19. Drivers are warned to expect difficult travel conditions and delays on the roads due to the icy weather, and are urged to keep their air conditioning on during the cold weather.
Tyre and service experts ATS Euromaster warns that motorists risk being handed a £1,000 fine and three points on their licence if they drive with misty windows, so keeping your air con on is essential. The experts said: “Driving in bad weather can mean your windows are likely to quickly steam up. Make sure you have your air conditioning on to make sure your visibility isn’t reduced, and you avoid a fine.
Driving with misty windows could get you a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence.” According to Rule 229 of the Highway Code, all mirrors must be clear and windows thoroughly demisted before setting off in icy and snowy weather. The rule states: “Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
” The Highway Code also advises drivers to check local weather forecasts for warnings of icy or snowy weather and avoid driving in these conditions “unless your journey is essential”. It adds: “If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
”.
