National Highways said winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have risen by 21% over the last five years, as the traffic authority plans to close a major road through the Peak District
A major route through the Peak District will be shut due to ‘heavy snow’ being predicted in the area.
National Highways Yorkshire will close the A628 Woodhead Pass in both directions, as the United Kingdom is battered by a major storm.
The major road through the Peak District will be closed between the A616 Flouch and A57 Hollingworth from 8pm on Thursday, January 8 as snowfall is expected in the area.
The closure is due to forecasted heavy snow associated with Storm Goretti and a related amber weather alert in the region.
National Highways said winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have risen by 21% over the last five years, with more than 67,000 incidents recorded between December 2024 and February 2025 alone.
Slippery roads due to weather conditions continue to be one of the leading causes of serious incidents each winter, the traffic authority said.
It has introduced a “T.R.I.P”. campaign teach road safety this winter. Road users are advised to: top-up with fuel, oil, screen-wash; rest every two hours; inspect their tyre tread and pressure; and prepare for weather conditions.
National Highways has issued a separate an amber severe weather alert for snow in the West and East Midlands regions, which will take effect from Thursday, January 8 at 6pm to Friday, January 9 at 9am.
Although accumulations are uncertain, between 8 to 12cm of snow is probable on the higher routes, while bbout 10 to 15 cm of snow is expected on routes around Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham, National Highways said.
It said between 3 to 8 cm is likely for lower-level routes in the south of east of the East Midlands, while only small amounts of snow, between 0 and 2cm, is expected in the far east and north of the East Midlands.
The traffic authority said routes around Birmingham across to Leicester and Nottingham “will see particularly difficult driving conditions and consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys”.
The Met Office said a deep area of low pressure will bring further snow, strong winds and heavy rain to the UK.
Several yellow and amber weather alerts have been issued across the country as cold weather continues.
South and West Yorkshire have been issued an amber alert for snow on Wednesday, while Greater Manchester has been issued a yellow alert.
“Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous,” the Met Office said.
“It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe.”
Planning your route, checking for delays and road closures and amending travel plans if necessary can help keep you and others safe when travelling in snowy conditions. It is also important to leave more time to prepare and check your car before embarking on your journey.
The Met Office advised road users to pack essentials in the car in the event of any delays. Essentials include: warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger.
