News reaches us that snow is falling thick and fast in Freshwater (thanks Kelvin), Ryde (thanks Chelsea) and Carisbrooke (thanks Jaymee ) as we write, so the latest advice in from the Police and Southern Vectis is all the more relevant now.
Southern Vectis tell us that despite the snow they will attempt to maintain the bus services on routes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 38 as best as they can.
Clearly if it’s not safe for them to operate, services will be suspended.
We’ll be keeping you up to date tomorrow morning on any service updates from the Island’s bus company.
If your child is due to travel on any of the school buses below, you’re advised to check their Website (or here) beforehand to see whether it’s worth packing the kids off to the bus stop or not.
Check before leaving home
If using Southern Vectis buses, Fountain Coaches, West Wight & Moss Motors school coaches numbers 55, 56, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88, 89, 92, 93, 94, 96 and 98.
These services run along the more rural roads so which may be ungritted or subject to snow clearance.
We’ll be up with the lark to keep you informed tomorrow morning of any cancellations or school closures.
Police advice
Hampshire Police are issuing the following advice for all road users ….
* Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, so try and manoeuvre gently and avoid any harsh braking or acceleration.
* Drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, and allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
* It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry, fine weather, so drive slowly.
* If you do have to brake on snow or ice then get into a lower gear, earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
* If you start to skid then ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.
* Take a few minutes to prepare your vehicle before you set off on your journey. Make sure you clear all windscreens and windows and drive carefully.
* Always tell someone where you are going, and make sure that you keep essential items in your car in case of a breakdown such as; a blanket, some warm clothing, a hot drink and a torch.
* Winter sun is also extremely bright and dazzling, so always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car and on long journeys ensure you take regular breaks as tiredness can kill.
Check the condition of your vehicle
* You should also ensure that your lights, mirrors and windows are all kept clean and free from snow and ice.
* Ensure that snow is cleared from the roof of any vehicle, otherwise it will cascade onto the vehicle behind.
* Keep your battery charged, add anti-freeze to the radiator during winter months and make sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order
* Finally, ensure that your tyres are kept to the correct pressure and check them regularly.
Image: name_nov under CC BY-ND 2.0
