Laois Council Council issues warning after Severe Weather Assessment Team meets

Laois County Council has issued advice to road users after its Severe Weather Assessment Team met on Tuesday, January 7. 

The local authority has warned that hazards may not be as visible on the county's road network as they were in recent days with the arrival of the status orange low temperature and ice warning this evening.

"County Laois is the subject of an Orange Weather Warning for Low Temperature/Ice, from 8pm this evening (Tuesday) until 10am tomorrow (Wednesday)," said a spokesperson for the Council. 

"Severe frost, icy stretches and freezing fog are likely tonight and over the coming days.

"Notwithstanding ongoing salting of rostered routes, motorists are urged to exercise caution on the road network, to slow down and to prioritise use of treated roads. 

"Hazards remain on the road network and those hazards may not be as visible as they were in recent days. 

"Check fog lights and use them appropriately. Exercise patience and avoid overtaking."

Meanwhile the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has appealed for motorists to treat every road as treacherous.

"Risks remain for all road users. Caution advised as even treated surfaces can be hazardous," said the RSA. 

"With extreme low temperatures persisting and hazardous conditions such as frost, ice, fog and lying snow affecting roads nationwide, the RSA is renewing its call for all road users to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Road users are asked to treat every road as treacherous in the context of widespread black ice, make only essential journeys, take it slowly and allow extra time for travel to reduce risks for all and to relieve the pressure on the emergency services."