Met office warnings are in place for ice and snow across much of Wales and Mr Skates was keen to update on what preparations and advice is already place and where passengers and road users can be kept up to date.
He said:
“Whether travelling by road or rail it’s clear that conditions such as those being forecast for Wales for Thursday and Friday this week can make travelling difficult.
“Safety is paramount and I’d like to reiterate the official advice to plan ahead and heed the latest guidance before travelling, taking extra care and time to reach your destination.
“On our roads, we have been well prepared for this winter – salt levels are good, with reserve Welsh Government stocks also held in case of emergencies. We have 133 spreaders on our network and roads and weather conditions are continually monitored and acted upon to keep road users safe. Please follow Traffic Wales and met office advice if travelling by road.
“In terms of rail travel, passengers will be aware of disruption to certain Arriva Trains Wales routes due to wheel damage on certain trains. Coupled with the expected weather I’d again urge passengers to plan ahead and take travel advice from official Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales channels before travelling, wherever possible.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to the trunk road agents, local authority staff, contractors, public service providers, emergency services and countless others who work tirelessly to ensure that our safety is maintained.
“The message from Welsh Government is to plan ahead, take care and familiarise yourselves with the latest official advice before travelling during adverse weather conditions.”
Traffic Wales (external link) are best placed to provide the latest travel advice for Welsh roads.
Public information line: 0300 123 1213
@traffigcymruN;
@trafficwalesN;
@traffigcymruD;
@trafficwalesS
Follow this news feed: Welsh Government