Motorhomes and campervans have been banned from travelling on major roads this morning following spells of high wind and stormy weather.
The strong winds have meant that high-sided and vulnerable vehicles have been closed off from using the A66 between the A1M at Scotch Corner and the M6 at Carlisle.
Vulnerable vehicles include motorhomes, vans with modifications, vehicles towing trailers or caravans, and motorcycles are impacted by the ban.
Also restricted are double-decker buses, articulated HGVs, abnormal loads, car transporters and high-sided rigid HGVs.
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Drivers have been warned of delays while the road closures remain in place
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways announced the closure in both directions across the major trans-Pennine route on Friday morning.
Road users have now been warned to expect delays and to plan alternative routes for their journeys.
The restrictions come as part of safety measures implemented during severe weather conditions affecting the northern regions of England.
It also follows a yellow weather warning by the Met Office which stated “strong and gusty southerly winds may cause disruption to transport and infrastructure”.
Drivers impacted by the ban have beenbeing advised to use the A69 as an alternative route for crossing the Pennines.
The closure impacts the stretch between junction 40 of the M6 at Penrith, where access to Carlisle is available, and Scotch Corner on the A1M.
The authority said it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates through their traffic information services.
On top of the road closures, the M48 Severn Bridge is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds. Traffic is being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
National Highways shared: "The A66 remains closed in both directions to high sided and vulnerable vehicles between the A1M (Scotch Corner) and the M6 (Penrith) due to strong winds. Speeds will be monitored and assessed throughout the afternoon."
The Met Office warned that across the south, west Wales, southwest Scotland and eastern parts of Northern Ireland they could see wind gusts between 65mph and 70mph on exposed coasts and 50mph to 60mph more widely within the warning areas.
Meanwhile, parts of Scotland could see 30-40mm of rainfall over a six-hour period, and up to around 70mm possible over higher ground within the warning areas.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Over the coming days, successive weather fronts bring strong winds and bands of rainfall across the UK with a risk some areas, particularly in the west later in the weekend, could see some low or even medium impacts.
“Weather warnings have been issued to highlight the potential for travel disruption, dangerous conditions near coasts and the possibility of power cuts for some."
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The bridge is shut in both directions while strong winds impact the area
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Winds are expected to increase once again through Sunday, impacting many central, northern and western parts of the UK with gusts of up to 50mph to 60mph at times, with peaks of 70mph in exposed spots along Irish Sea coastlines, Scottish Islands, and other areas of high ground further inland.
