Drivers are being warned to prepare now for autumn and winter driving conditions – ahead of the arrival of Storm Agnes.

With the first named storm of the season set to blast much of the UK, now is the time, says National Highways, for motorists to think about how they can be ready for journeys in more challenging weather conditions in the coming months.

While Kent is expected to escape the worst of the bad weather, the body responsible for our major roads and motorways says drivers should be ready for stronger winds on more exposed roads – and is reminding motorists now is a good time to consider the preparations needed for wintry weather ahead.

It suggests drivers and passengers apply the acronym TRIP to any journey to ensure they and their vehicle are road-ready.

TRIP stands for top-up, rest, inspect and prepare.

Starting with ‘top-up’ – this covers measures needed to make sure a car is road-ready such as checking fuel, oil and screenwash levels or making sure that your electric vehicle is fully charged.

‘Rest’ is there to remind drivers not to set-off when tired and to take regular comfort breaks on longer journeys in order to break up the drive.

The addition of ‘inspect’ is to encourage the checking of tyre pressures and wheel tread regularly alongside making sure all lights on the vehicle are working and visible behind any dirt that might have collected on the car.

While ‘prepare’ is for making sure that drivers have all the necessary equipment for the potential weather conditions ahead – whhich may include food and drink in the event of delays caused by bad weather or the addition of a shovel and extra warm layers during forecasts for snow.

Steve Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”