On the last Saturday before Christmas, people in Greater Manchester have been urged to leave their cars at home and use public transport to avoid congestion on the roads
Motorists have been urged to not drive into a major city this weekend to avoid travel chaos in the area.
Several events are being held today in Manchester which, as it is the last Saturday before Christmas, is expected to be heaving with festive shoppers. To avoid a backlog on the roads, people have been asked to leave cars at home.
Instead, they have been requested to use public transport, such as trams and buses or the city’s park and ride to keep the roads clear, MEN reported. In a statement, the Bee Network said: “Please avoid driving into the city centre this weekend.
With many events, Xmas shoppers and other visitors, traffic will be at its peak. Use the tram, or, if you do need to drive, use one of our Park and Ride sites.”
Adding to the issues on the roads, the Met Office has put out yellow warnings for huge swathes of the UK, stretching across all of Scotland , into northern England and Northern Ireland.
Lasting all day today and into Sunday – when they will be extended further south – the warnings highlight a windy start to many people’s Christmas breaks and celebrations.Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “We have slightly tweaked our weather warnings as the peak winds have now shifted slightly north.
“The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80 mph in coastal districts including Orkney.
“Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.
““Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature on Saturday and may merge into a longer spell of rain for a time in the far north and northwest. Those showers could turn to snow on the hills in the northwest of Scotland on Saturday evening, and then overnight and into Sunday.
“This chance of wintry showers extends to Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England. Snow will be focused over hills, where several cm may fall, but some sleet, snow and hail may fall to quite low levels for a time, bringing possible icy conditions by Sunday morning.”
