Birmingham drivers urgently warned by Green Flag amid UK snow alert

A severe snow weather alert from the Met Office has sparked urgent warnings to drivers.

Temperatures in Britain are set to plunge to -3 degrees overnight.

Breakdown cover provider, Green Flag, is expecting up to a 39 per cent increase in breakdowns over the next few days.

This is predicted to equal over 110,000 breakdowns and 166,400 calls between Friday and Monday.

A snow and ice warning has been issued to regions from the Midlands upwards.

Lucy Davies at Green Flag, urged drivers to do all they can to stay safe over the weekend: “With forecasted severe weather conditions, we can expect possible delays on the roads, transport delays or cancellations, and road closures, meaning drivers heading out for festive events and Christmas shopping should take extra care in these challenging conditions.

"This could also impact commuters heading to work on Monday morning.

“It’s important for drivers to check their vehicles before leaving home, approach the roads with caution when driving, and ensure they leave a safe distance between other vehicles to decrease the risk of encountering a problem on the roads.”

In Birmingham on Thursday, after a chilly start it will be a dry and bright day with sunny spells.

But the brisk wind will take the edge off the temperature, making it feel rather cold as maximum temperatures struggle to 5 °C.

It will be dry through the evening and overnight.

Under clearing skies with easing winds temperatures will fall sharply with a hard frost and isolated freezing fog patches by morning as minimum temperatures fall to -4 °C.

Expect a bright, frosty start to Friday morning with any fog patches slowly clearing.

The rest of the day will be dry and sunny but rather cold, with light winds.

Winds strengthen Saturday, as rain spreads east.

Turning less cold Sunday with sunny spells and some showers later.

Dry on Monday but increasingly windy in the afternoon.

In response to the adverse weather conditions, Green Flag has issued a set of common-sense tips to help motorists stay safe in cold weather conditions expected on the roads this week.

Winter Driving Tips

• Check your speed and use gentle driver inputs - even if the roads have been gritted they’re likely to be slippery.
• Give more warning than usual to other drivers - when turning, stopping or changing lane.
• Keep plenty of distance between cars - you never know when you'll hit an icy patch. If you pass the same landmarks as the car in front of you within three seconds, you’re following too closely.
• Check whether your car has ABS anti-lock brakes . In the unlikely event that it doesn’t, pump the brake pedal slowly to prevent the wheels locking up and skidding.

• Be extra-wary of black ice. It’s an invisible danger that can catch out even the most careful driver.
• Approach corners at a steady speed, in as low a gear as possible . Don't touch the clutch unless it’s absolutely necessary, steer smoothly and avoid braking on bends.
• Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
• Ensure you’re familiar with your car’s ventilation system to prevent windows from steaming up . Air conditioning will keep windows free from mist and condensation.