Gritting procedures have been streamlined

From Sunday, a cold snap will spread south bringing snow showers to much of the UK by Tuesday, the Met Office says.

The Highways Agency was criticised last year after thousands of drivers were trapped by snow on the M11 and M25.

A spokesman said its procedures had been streamlined to make sure gritters were on the roads in time this year.

'Timing crucial'

It has 800 on-road weather information stations feeding the exact temperatures back and also has thermal mapping technology to help get gritters to the right places.

Over the past year we have tested and retested our winter service plans Highways Agency national director of traffic David York

"We have the second most advanced system in the world - behind Japan - for predicting weather conditions.

"But last year we found the way we made the decision to grit the roads was flawed," a spokeswoman told BBC News Online.

"We have streamlined those procedures so, although people will see the gritters out as usual, behind the scenes things have changed."

Timing was crucial, she added, because if the gritters went out too early it would not be as effective.

The agency, which is responsible for motorways and other major roads, has 700 snow ploughs and blowers on 24-hour standby and 500,000 tons of salt ready to use.

Last year, it blamed heavy traffic for stopping its contractors from spreading grit on M11, leading to huge tailbacks and drivers abandoning their vehicles.

The government has brought in new legislation requiring local authorities to draw up comprehensive plans.

Agency national director of traffic David York said: "Over the past year we have tested and retested our winter service plans and, since the start of this winter, we have dealt with some serious weather conditions on the roads."

'No excuses'

However, the agency is also advising motorists to travel with boots, a torch, spade and food and water if they have to drive in the snow.

Showers in Scotland will turn to sleet and snow over high ground on Sunday, with the cold air expected to reach southern England by Monday night, say forecasters.

A cold blast from the Arctic will force temperatures even lower from Wednesday, according to the Met Office.

The Automobile Association said there would be "no excuses" if the authorities failed to keep roads clear.

Motorists hope they will not be caught out this year

Network Rail spokesman Steve Turner said there was no question of the "wrong type of snow" stopping services.

Meanwhile, British Gas has warned the cold weather could cause damage from frozen or burst pipes.

It is predicting there may be more than 20,000 emergency calls a day and says one in five homes is at risk of damaged pipes.

It advised householders to check stopcocks are working and that pipe work, tanks and cisterns are well insulated.

It also says homes should be heated constantly even at a low level.