Warning to drivers after four-vehicle crash in icy conditions

Police have issued a warning to drivers after a four-vehicle crash in Bath. Emergency services were called to Ralph Allen Drive at around 8am today (January 8), which has been closed for much of the afternoon, after a collision which police say involved four vehicles. No serious injuries were reported at the scene, Avon and Somerset Police said, but it has sparked a warning from the force ahead of what is expected to be a cold period.

Ralph Allen Drive remains closed in both directions, according to traffic monitor Inrix. Police have warned for motorists to ‘take care’ on roads, with a huge temperature drop predicted overnight, and a Met Office ice weather warning in place until 3am tomorrow[1] (January 9). The forecaster warns: “Ice and small amounts of snow[2] could lead to slippery surfaces in a few places.”

Avon and Somerset Police, in a post on X, also warned drivers to take “take extra care on the commute home later,” when there is expected to be icy patched on roads, cycle paths, and pavements. It comes after a collision earlier today, involving multiple vehicles. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called to Ralph Allen Drive, in Bath, at around 8am today (Monday 8 January) following a report a collision involving four vehicles.

“Thankfully, we don’t believe anyone sustained any serious injuries, however the road was closed while the vehicles were recovered. We would like to encourage all motorists to take care on the roads as temperature drops[3] and already wet roads may become icy.” The Met Office said: “Parts of southern Britain are likely to see some snow showers during Monday afternoon and the first part of the night.

Most places will see little or no lying snow, but 1-2 cm may settle in one or two places, mostly over high ground.

In addition, some icy surfaces are possible for a time.

“However, the chance this reduces by dawn on Tuesday as snow showers clear to the west and surfaces dry out.”

References

1. ^ Met Office ice weather warning in place until 3am tomorrow (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ small amounts of snow (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^ temperature drops (www.somersetlive.co.uk)