THE Highways Agency believes lessons have been learnt from last year’s Arctic conditions to help deal with the forthcoming winter.

Phill Beaumont, North-East winter services manager at the Highways Agency, said staff have been working hard to ensure they are ready for any severe weather.

But he added that no matter how prepared they were, motorists will still need to play their part so the roads operate as smoothly as possible.

Last winter resulted in some of the worst weather conditions recorded, with temperatures plummeting to -17C.

The Highways Agency managed to keep the roads open but bosses admitted it was not equipped to deal with more than about 12 days of extreme conditions.

At its maintenance depot off the A1(M) near Sedgefield, County Durham, yesterday, Mr Beaumont said staff had been training for the “worst case scenario” with the help of Northumbria Police, Northumbria County Council and Transport Scotland.

“Lessons have been learnt from last year,” he said.

“Obviously, motorists will still need to do their bit and make sure their vehicles are in good working order.

“We will never know exactly what is going to happen, but if it does get bad we urge drivers to think about whether their journey is necessary or not.”

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for the 220 miles of motorways and A-roads across the North-East, has a team of 60 staff to operate 21 gritters using a stockpiled 12,000 tonnes of salt.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “The Highways Agency is ready for winter, but the experience of recent winters is that we must all play our part and be prepared.

“A few very simple steps taken now, such as putting together a severe weather emergency kit for your car, can reduce the risk of being caught out by the weather.

“Not every journey is essential in severe weather, but if you really must travel in the worst conditions, check your vehicle before you set out; take a severe weather emergency kit; check traffic and weather conditions and always plan your journey.”

For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at metoffice.gov.uk