17 December 2010

Adverse weather conditions – advice to the public

Dartmoor National Park Authority understands that people want to come and enjoy the wintry conditions on Dartmoor. We do however request the assistance of the public at what is a difficult time when resources are stretched. Icy roads and snow falls can cause great difficulty for Emergency Services, Highway Authorities and local residents. Farmers face particular difficulties as animals become trapped in snow drifts and require supplementary feed and water in these adverse conditions.

It is essential that at these times visitors do not venture beyond any ‘ROAD CLOSED’ signs as they will hinder any clearance operation. Once roads are clear the various agencies will endeavour to open up car parks and official access points as soon as possible.

Please use common sense if you are coming onto Dartmoor and follow these simple guidelines:-

•Heed verbal advice and warnings from officials, regularly monitor and act upon local media updates and weather reports.
•Take adequate warm clothing, shovel, blankets, food, and a hot drink. Be prepared that the weather conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
•Do not drive beyond “ROAD CLOSED” signs, the signs will be there for a reason; additional traffic on roads that are closed hampers clearance operations as snow ploughs are unable to pass..
•Use official car parks and lay-bys for parking.
•Do not leave unattended vehicles on roadsides, verges or turning areas – even if the person in front of you decides to. Vehicles left in this manner can obstruct emergency services access.
•Do not obstruct gateways, farmers need access to fields in adverse weather to check on the welfare of animals. Animal’s lives could be put at risk by inappropriate parking.
•Do not enter private land for sledging without landowners permission.
•Enjoy yourselves, be safe and take ALL LITTER (including sledging materials) home with you.

Ends

For further information

Robert Steemson, Head Ranger

Tel: 07711 856206

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:

•to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;

•to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .

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There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.

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