MOTORISTS are being urged to take extra care and be prepared for strong gales as the tail end of Hurricane Ophelia moves north and eastwards across the country.

Those driving high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorcycles and articulated lorries are advised to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys and pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds.

Wind speeds across the South West region are currently between 30mph and 40mph but the Met Office is anticipating gusts of between 40 to 50mph on high areas, sweeping up from the region to the north from 3pm until 10pm.

Christian Morgan, operations manager in Highways England’s South West region, said: "We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys.

"In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

"Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes."

He added: "Curtains on empty high-sided vehicles can act as sails when closed, and when high winds arise, we advise HGV drivers to open their curtain-sided vehicles if they are empty."

A Freight Transport Association advisory states "When driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle, tie both curtain sides at one end of the vehicle to reduce the effect of side winds".

HGV drivers are advised by the DVSA to check load security as part of their daily walkaround check. 

Road users are being advised to follow messages on any overhead signs and listen to radio updates.

Further information can be found by visiting trafficengland.com or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

More advice on driving in windy weather is available from the met office.

*One lane closed due to roadworks on M5 Northbound at J4A M42. Cones out for traffic management purposes as a result of the major roadworks on the Oldbury Viaduct (M5 J2-1). Highways England are trying to keep M5 delays to a minimum by encouraging traffic to use M42 rather than the M5.

*Queueing traffic due to earlier accident on M5 Southbound at J1 A41 / A4252 / Birmingham Road (West Bromwich / Birmingham). In the roadworks area. All lanes have been re-opened. One of the two lanes within the roadwork section was closed.

*All lanes open and traffic returned to normal, broken down motorbike removed on M6 Northbound between J5 A452 (Castle Bromwich) and J6 A38(M) Aston Expressway / A5127 Gravelly Hill / A38 Tyburn Road / Slade Road Spaghetti Junction. Note change of details. Lane one (Of four) was closed.

*Traffic easing, accident cleared on M6 Northbound between J4A M42 and J5 A452 (Castle Bromwich).

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