CUMBRIAN drivers are being urged to prepare for severe weather as winter approaches.

The Highways Agency has launched its winter maintenance programme for Cumbria and north Lancashire with around 20,000 tonnes of salt in stock and in the region of 100 gritter drivers on stand-by to help tackle ice and snow on the roads.

Andrew Olive, severe weather manager for the Highways Agency, said Cumbria was a challenging area to deal with during the winter because of the altitude of many of the roads.

“It’s hard to say at this stage how bad this winter will be – we’ve already been out less than this time last year but the weather can change as quickly as anything else so people need to be prepared for any weather conditions.”

The agency is encouraging motorists to check fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres before setting out and carry an emergency kit including ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes, torch, first aid kit, jump leads and a spade.