UK drivers 'to suffer' hazardous conditions

Air passengers are not the only ones to be caught up in the severe fog that is currently affecting large areas of the south-east – motorists have been warned that driving conditions will be hazardous in the run-up to Christmas.

Thick mist and fog have reduced visibility to below 50 metres in some areas but in others, particularly Cornwall, Northumberland and Kent, conditions had improved on Thursday (December 21st) morning, according to the Met Office.

Such variations mean that conditions while driving could change dramatically and motorists are being advised to leave more time for their festive journeys.

Meanwhile the Highways Agency (HA) has issued some extra tips to drivers, who are likely to be caught up in the fog as they make their Christmas getaways.

In a statement, the organisation said: "It can feel more secure to 'hang on' to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front, but drivers should beware - it is a false sense of security.

"Travelling too close to vehicles is dangerous, particularly when reduced visibility could obscure potential hazards and force a vehicle to stop abruptly."

HA added that fog lights should be turned off the moment that visibility improves as they "can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights".