Drivers could face a £2,500 fine if they're caught with snow on parts of their vehicles.
Motorists are being warned to fully clear their windscreens and take snow off the roof of their cars as the weather gets colder, or they could face a huge fine. With wintery showers and ice forecast for the North West on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10, people might not be aware that not removing snow or ice from their windscreens completely is a hazard on the road, Birmingham Live reports.
It is a common mistake that people leave their homes without fully clearing the ice and snow from the windscreen and windows. Many drivers find themselves in a rush in the mornings before the commute to work, or when they need to get somewhere in a hurry and don't have the time for the chore.
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However, even those who are not committing any other driving offence could end up in trouble if spotted by police. If windscreens, windows and roofs aren't fully cleared, it means drivers might not be able to see all around them, creating a safety risk.
This means by not clearing the frost or snow, drivers could be dealt a shocking fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.
Insurance firm Comparethemarket said: "When it’s icy or snowy, drivers need to make sure their windows and mirrors are clear and demisted, their lights are clean, and that their number plates are clearly visible and legible before they set off. It’s also important to remove any snow from the top of the car, as this could fall off into the path of other road users or block the view from the front or back windscreen."
Julie Daniels, from the car insurance team at Comparethemarket, urged drivers to take steps to ensure their cars are winter ready. She said: "It’s essential that drivers stick to the rules of the road all-year-round, but staying alert and in control of the vehicle is especially important during winter, where the colder weather can present additional hazards.
"Checking that your tyres have good pressure and enough tread for grip, topping your screenwash with a formula containing antifreeze, and making sure that your battery is well-maintained are a few things that can be done in preparation.”
Wintry showers are on the forecast for the next three days, as the Met Office has put a yellow snow warning in place on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10. However the first bit of snow is expected to fall today, on Wednesday, March 8.
According to both the Met Office and BBC forecast, light snow will start across Merseyside from 3pm today. It will continue into the evening until around 8pm, before picking back up again tomorrow.
The BBC reports: "After some early brightness this morning, it will gradually turn cloudier from the south into the afternoon. Later on, spells of sleet and snow look to move in from the west in places."
While the Met Offices states it will be a dry start before it turns "unsettled with snow." Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said: "Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, as the UK comes under the influence of an arctic maritime airmass as cold air moves in from the north.
"Snow is already falling in parts of the north where some travel disruption likely, as well as a chance of some rural communities being cut off. Snow showers will continue through today and Tuesday here, and Northern Ireland will also be subject to some snow showers, especially over high ground.
"Ice will provide an additional hazard for many with overnight low temperatures well below 0°C for many. Further south wintry hazards will develop with parts of England and Wales affected by icy patches and snow in places tonight and likely further snow in parts of the south early Wednesday."
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