Travel mayhem is on the cards today, including at airports, due to heavy fog. A yellow weather warning has been issued until 11am for large parts of the Midlands, Southwest and Eastern England as the fog is expected to linger throughout the morning.
This could lead to delays on major roads such as the M5 and M40, and potential flight cancellations at airports.The Met Office warns that visibility could drop below 100 metres in areas with the thickest fog. However, they have provided several key tips to ensure safety during these eerie conditions.
Motorists are advised to familiarise themselves with their fog light switch before setting off and maintain a larger distance between their vehicle and the one ahead. These form part of the wider advice to drive safely in foggy conditions, while the Met Office also suggests ways to avoid transport delays.
The Met Office’s comprehensive list of tips to stay safe in the fog includes driving safely in fog, understanding how fog affects flights and ferry crossings, and how to avoid transport delays, reports The Mirror.
Foggy conditions can make it difficult to see the road ahead, but drivers can be prepared for this by following these simple steps:
- Make sure you know where your fog light switch is before you set off.
- Keep a bigger distance between you and the car in front.
- Be prepared for a sudden bank of fog or drifting, patchy fog.
- Check your mirrors and slow down before entering fog.
- Use fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres, which is roughly the length of a football pitch.
- Don’t use full beam as fog reflects the light back.
- Once the fog has lifted switch off your fog lights.
What about flights and ferry crossings?
- Check the weather for your departure location regularly.
- Make sure you check your phone for messages from your airline or ferry company. You can also check their websites and social media platforms for additional updates.
- Arrive on time at the airport or ferry terminal, even if delays are expected.
- Pack your hand luggage with delays in mind. For example, some people may need to pack extra prescription medicine or baby food.
How to avoid transport delays
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays on your journey by following this two-step checklist:
- CHECK: check bus and train timetables and the road conditions
- AMEND: amend your travel plans
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly.
