Weather makes holiday driving treacherous

LONDON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Drivers braced for poor driving conditions Thursday across Britain where officials warned roads would be treacherous because of snow and ice.

Some 18 million drivers expected to hit the highways for the Christmas holiday could be hampered freezing weather on one of the busiest travel days in Britain, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Air and train service were expected to return to normal schedules after several days of disruption caused by the storm that engulfed most of northern Europe, officials said. However, several officials warned of service alterations caused by weather and by engineering work scheduled during the holiday.

London underground rail services could be interrupted by a walkout by more than half of the drivers who had threatened a work stoppage on Boxing Day in a pay dispute, the Telegraph said.

The Met Office in London issued a severe weather warning for northeast England and eastern Scotland where more snow was expected Thursday. Forecasters also warned frigid temperatures were expected through the weekend.

The Automobile Association was prepared for a surge in calls for aid, officials said.

Edmund King, the organization's president, warned many roads were "incredibly treacherous with snow and ice."

"Even though the roads are open, the conditions are dangerous because of the (freezing) temperatures," he said.

Most of Britain's airports said they expected to resume full service Thursday although cancellations and delays were reported at London Heathrow where 1,206 flights are expected to operate.

It was learned Wednesday airlines offered to help clear snow and ice at Heathrow but were rebuffed by the airport operator BAA for "health and safety" reasons, the Telegraph said. The company since admitted it lacked the manpower and equipment to clear runways and de-ice planes.

Internal BAA documents obtained by the Telegraph indicated the airport also had fewer snow plows than Gatwick despite being more than twice its size. Documents indicated Heathrow has 10 plows and seven de-icing vehicles.