Top tips to help you plan your journey in advance of travelling in snow, ice, high winds and torrential rain

1. Use journey-planning tools and listen to local radio stations for updates to identify advance warning of disruptions. Visit our useful planning your tool guides that may assist you. Don’t forget to check our social media pages and the University’s News Centre pages for updates on access around the University campus roads and paths.
2. Try to reduce the need to travel during adverse weather conditions wherever possible. Leave things that can wait and maybe reschedule non-essential appointments.
3. Consider the travel time required in accordance with the weather conditions and the transport news updates. Will you need to leave any earlier to ensure you get back for any commitments you have? Have you lined up contingency caring arrangements or rearranged appointments in case you are late? Ensure you plan before leaving home.
4. Consider if delaying your journey would help. There will not be as much traffic on the road and you are less likely to be delayed by incidents that may occur on route ahead of you.
5. Consider alternative forms of travel; especially if you usually drive and you are not confident about driving in adverse weather conditions. Maybe walk instead or use public transport if it is operating. Consider the return journey as the weather may change. The weather forecast may assist you to consider your options for this journey.
6. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and be prepared for any change in the weather.
7. Check what to do if you are travelling to University. 
   

1. Ensure there is enough time and consider leaving earlier to allow for any interruptions that may occur on route. In snow and ice consider if delaying your morning journey would help, as the temperature starts to rise and helps melt the ice and snow 
2. During ice and snow avoid walking on the paths that are shaded. It takes longer for the ice or snow to melt in the shade, so consider walking routes where paths are not shaded. 
3. Whichever form of transport you use, have you made sure you are equipped with the right weather gear? For example, warm clothes, water, food, boots, bright/reflective clothing and a torch. (remember weather conditions may change).
4. If you do get stuck, you are unlikely to be the only one, so make sure you have plenty of fuel (top up regularly if poor weather forecasted) and plenty of warm clothing, as it may take some time for the rescue services to reach you.
5. Keep updated with the travel news and updates during your journey.
6. Have you considered and acted upon how others will know if you are in difficulty? If you get into difficulties, will you be able to ask for help? Can you ensure your mobile phone remains charged, even if you are delayed or should you inform someone what time you are expected to arrive and how you will let them know that you have.

Check your vehicle is prepared and in top condition at all times and make sure it is winter ready.  Kent Fire and Rescue provide some great advice on their Winter Road Safety webpage and Cycling UK have some tips to help you keep your bike in shape for winter.  

Be prepared for delays and know before you leave home what alternative travel options or overnight stays you can use if you find that your only transport option has unexpectedly been cancelled. Southeastern trains have advice on what they do to keep things moving during the winter months and always check the live information provided by the local bus companies Stagecoach and Arriva.