The Highways Agency says it is more prepared than ever

The team of three will give precise information on the weather's impact allowing the agency to "give drivers the best possible information".

It forms part of the agency's strategy on icy roads, revealed on Friday.

The agency, responsible for England's motorways and trunk roads, came under fire after a vicious cold snap in 2003.

It was forced to apologise to motorists after failing to grit motorways at the end of January 2003.

Our systems are better tested than ever and we stand ready to keep the network open and available during poor weather Highways Agency

The apology came after thousands of drivers were left stranded in freezing weather on the M11 and M25 motorways, in the South East of England, when snow and ice brought traffic to a standstill.

The agency faced criticism from MPs that it was caught out by the sudden falls of heavy snow which left some drivers stuck in their cars overnight.

But the agency says this year it is "ready for the challenge", with gritters and snowploughs on standby, plans in place and the addition of the new weather team.

Thermal mapping

The agency's chief executive Archie Robertson said: "Throughout the winter we will be monitoring the weather carefully and everything that can be done will be done to keep roads safe and open to traffic.

"Our systems are better tested than ever and we stand ready to keep the network open and available during poor weather.

"We also want road users to be better prepared for winter, to carry the right equipment and, with the information we will be providing, to make better decisions on whether they need to travel when the weather is bad."

Last winter, new thermal mapping technology was introduced by the agency to monitor temperatures on the motorways before sending gritters where they are needed.

Lorries are fitted with satellite locators and load sensors to keep track of where they are and how fast they are working.