AS THE hot water continues throughout this week, drivers are being urged to take precautions.

The Met Office this week issued its first every amber alert for extreme hot weather across the South East of England, warning the temperatures would remain high until later in the week.

Highways England are now asking people to prepare before heading out on their journeys.

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Before heading out on journeys:

• Take bottles of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated;

• Plan and leave plenty of time for journeys;

• Check the weather forecast for your destination;

• Check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys;

• Ensure you and your cars are fit for the journey - https://highwaysengland.co.uk/safetychecks/.

Dan Lacey, Highways England National Network Manager, said: “Safety is our top priority and we want all drivers to safely reach their destinations during the hot weather.

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"I would urge people to prepare for their journey by stocking up on water, checking their vehicles, particularly tyre pressures and tread, oil levels and coolant.”

“As a company, we are making preparations for the safety of our road workers operating in extreme heat, and we ask people travelling on our network to be equally prepared.”