THIS autumn may be warmer than average but the Highways Agency and the Met Office are warning North West drivers not to be complacent about severe winter weather.

The good news is that more and more drivers are getting the message that it makes sense to check your route and the weather forecast before you travel.

Across the region, plans have been put in place to ensure the motorways and trunk roads are kept open through winter.

Winter services depots are on stand-by in 13 locations, 18 roadside ice prediction stations are relaying up-to-the-minute information about road conditions, 15,000 tons of salt are in stores and a fleet of 55 gritters, snow ploughs and blowers are ready to grit the road network within three hours.

Locally, the service depot is close to the M53 at Bebington and the ice prediction station is located on the A5117 at Shotwick Lodge.

Launching the Highways Agency's winter information programme, the Minister for Road Safety, Dr Stephen Ladyman, said: 'I am delighted that more and more road users are checking the forecast and travel information before they set out.

'The Highways Agency and the Met Office are working together to give the best up-to-date information about road and weather conditions for England's motorways and major A roads.'

To beat the worst of the weather, road users are being urged to use the media and road and weather information services such as those provided by the Highways Agency and the Met Office from the National

Traffic Control Centre in the West Midlands. Alongside its new information services for drivers, the Highways Agency also has its traditional winter service of salt stocks and gritting vehicles ready to go into action whenever temperatures fall.

Highways Agency area manager for the North West, Roy Wood, said: 'The North West can face varied and unpredictable winter weather conditions and that can make driving especially hazardous.

'We have invested in hi-tech systems to ensure an early and targeted response to severe weather threats and these are supported by an experienced and dedicated workforce.

'While the Highways Agency has a fleet of gritters working round the clock in bad weather, when severe weather bites, motorists also have a responsibility to take precautions.

'In winter, weather can change quickly. Our advice to motorists if severe weather is forecast is don't travel unless your journey is essential.'

Highways Agency research asked road users about their attitudes to driving in winter weather, which can often be treacherous for drivers navigating slippery roads in reduced visibility.

The results will be used to help the Highways Agency develop winter driving information campaigns.

The report compared data from 2004/05 with 2005/06 statistics and concluded that more drivers were listening to weather warnings and making changes to their journey plan accordingly.

Radio and television remain the most used sources of information for planning journeys, but there were increases in the number of people using internet or telephone services before and during their journeys.

The proportion of drivers who continue to drive in severe weather fell. In deciding whether or not to take to the road in extreme conditions, drivers were likely to be influenced by factors such as journey distance, presence of children and purpose of journey.

* Cheshire County Council is circulating a helpful advice leaflet to the county's motorists via petrol stations and service garages across the county.

Copies of the leaflet, which shows gritting routes, can also be found at Cheshire libraries and Area Highway offices.

Details of Cheshire's gritting routes can be found on the county council's website at www.cheshire. gov.uk/gritting/home.