If you are a resident of Central Bedfordshire you can use this new account to report road problems and track progress.

Make a road safety request for:

• assessment for parking restrictions
• change to a speed limit 
• disabled parking bay
• new traffic lights
• pedestrian crossing
• road sign (e.g. a 30 miles per hour sign)
• traffic calming
• vehicle activated road sign

You can make the following road related reports:

• Blood spillage
• Clear debris from a road accident
• Damaged pedestrian guard rail
• Dead animal removal
• Damaged edge
• Flytipping
• Loose gravel
• Litter
• Mud on the road
• Poisonous weeds
• Obstruction
• Request to sponsor a roundabout
• Road verge - overgrown grass or weeds
• Subsidence
• Road surface damaged
• Spillage (e.g. oil, debris or a shed load)

Report a damaged pavement, including:

• Broken or loose pavement slabs
• Obstructions
• Request for litter sweeping
• Spillage (e.g. oil, debris or a shed load)  

When the road is wet it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. I f your vehicle loses grip, or “aquaplanes”, on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Do not brake or steer suddenly because you have less control of the steering and brakes.

Try to avoid driving through surface water as you might flood your engine. If you have to drive through floods, drive slowly, use a low gear and try to keep the engine revving at a high rate. Move forward continuously to avoid stalling the engine. When driving an automatic vehicle, engage and hold in a low gear. Test your brakes after driving through water; they may be ineffective

Check your vehicle to ensure:

• Correct tyre tread depths and pressures and don’t forget the spare
• Lights are working and are kept clean
• The correct level of antifreeze - a garage can check this for you
• Wiper blades are in good condition and a windscreen washer bottle that contains an additive to prevent freezing
• The battery that is in good condition, as winter driving will make extra demands on your battery

Before driving off:

• Check the weather conditions both for your outward journey and any return.
• Plan your route and leave in plenty of time and consider whether your journey is essential

Drive safe:

• Speed kills
• Do not travel too fast
• Cut your speed in possible icy conditions
• It is far safer to travel a little further on a salted road than to use untreated roads
• Keep your distance as it takes much longer to stop in ice and snow
• Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers
• Avoid harsh acceleration, steering or braking
• Keep in as high a gear as possible
• Allow more time for your journey