Fined driver shows how not to clear a windscreen this winter

Image source: Police Scotland

“Appropriate action” has been taken against a motorist in Scotland caught driving his snow-covered car with only a tiny square of windscreen cleared.

Police posted pictures of the irresponsibly-prepared vehicle on social media, after issuing the driver with a fixed penalty notice on the A9 in the Highlands.

While the front windscreen had a small scraped area, the rear and side windows – not to mention top of the car – had been left untouched.

In light of this dangerous behaviour, the RAC is reminding all drivers to ready themselves for an impending spell of wintry weather likely to cause disruption on the roads.

• Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car?

Image source: Police Scotland

The driver was stopped in Thurso, Caithness in the early hours of Tuesday as snow and sleet fell across parts of Scotland.

In posting, the police warned other motorists to take the time to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before setting off.

“Winter has been biting for most of us this week, which means it is more important than ever that your vehicle is suitably prepared for the roads,” the post read.

“Unfortunately, not everyone follows this advice – officers on patrol stopped this car which was being driven on the A9 at Thurso in the early hours of this morning.

“Appropriate action has been taken against the driver in relation to road traffic offences.

“It is important before you set off to make sure your windows are clean, properly demisted and clear of all snow and ice before you drive.”

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On Wednesday (January 30) the UK was bracing itself for the coldest night of the winter so far, with "significant snowfall" likely to cause further travel delays and school closures.

The Met Office warned temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius (14F) are possible in parts of the country in the early hours of Thursday, with this winter's record of minus 10.8 C (12.6F) likely to be broken.

Gritters worked to clear roads across the north west of England as commuters were warned over tricky conditions and long delays by Highways England.

And the disruption is set to deepen, with a weather system arriving from the south west and pushing north on Thursday.

Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.