Motorists in Birmingham are being issued an urgent warning to ensure their vehicles are completely clear of snow and ice before travelling this Friday, as the region braces for significant wintry showers.
Substantial Fines and Penalty Points for Dangerous Driving
Bryn Brooker, the Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, has emphasised the critical importance of this simple pre-journey check. He stressed that drivers must thoroughly clear all windows – including the windscreen, side windows, and rear window – to maintain a clear line of sight.
"A clear line of sight is crucial for safely navigating wintry conditions," Brooker stated. He warned that neglecting this could lead to a severe penalty: a £2,500 fine and three penalty points on a driving licence for ‘using a vehicle in a dangerous condition’.
Heavy Snow Forecast for the West Midlands
The urgent advice comes as the Met Office issued an amber warning for snow, predicting disruptive conditions. On Friday, forecasters indicate snow accumulations could reach up to 20cm on low ground and potentially 40cm on higher ground.
The Met Office detailed the warning, stating: “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The area and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell.”
Don't Forget the Roof: A Hazard for Others
Brooker also highlighted a commonly overlooked danger. “As you clear your vehicle, don't forget about the top!” he urged. Drivers must remove accumulated snow from the roof to prevent it from sliding onto the road and creating a serious hazard for other vehicles.
While driving with snow on your car is not explicitly illegal, police can still issue an on-the-spot penalty. You could face a £60 fine and three points if caught, under section 229 of the Highway Code which covers driving in adverse weather.
The cold snap is expected to continue, with a Met Office spokesperson confirming: “We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places.”
