POLICE PREPARING FOR EXPECTED SNOW

POLICE PREPARING FOR EXPECTED SNOW

Dyfed-Powys Police is making preparations ahead of snow predicted to affect Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys from Thursday afternoon (January 31) through to late Friday (February 1).

The force is expecting demand for their assistance to increase over the coming days, and is asking for help from the public to manage the number of calls they receive.

Head of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Craig Templeton said: “We have been busy planning for the adverse weather so we can continue to serve our communities in the way they expect.

“To help us do this, we are asking the public to consider their options before contacting us, as in some cases, other organisations may be better placed to help you.

“For example, if you are calling about a tree or power/telephone pole that is down you should only call us to report this if there is a significant risk to others, or there has been a collision and someone is injured – in this case call 999.

“Please only call police about weather related issues, including road closures, if it is urgent.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Wales. They have warned people to expect:

• Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers.
• Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.
• Some rural com m unities could become cut off.
• Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.
• A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
• Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable because of black ice.

Police are urging people to drive carefully as the weather worsens. They advise to only make essential journeys in snow and ice. If you have to travel:

• Clear all windows before driving
• Take your time
• Beware of ice on roads, pavements and cycle routes even if they’ve been gritted
• Allow cyclists and motorcyclists extra room to avoid drains/manholes

Here is a list of useful contact numbers:

• Power cuts or damaged lines: 105
• Openreach Damage Reports: 0800 023 2023
• Carmarthenshire County Council: 01267 234567
• Pembrokeshire County Council: 01437 764551
• Ceredigion County Council: 01545 570881
• Powys County Council: 01597 826000
• Traffic Wales: 0300 123 1213

For weather updates, visit the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk

For updates on road closures, visit the Traffic Wales website: https://traffic.wales/