A correspondent working Abroad emailed to say that “A Government warning said everyone travelling in icy conditions should take a shovel, hat, blankets, a supply of food and drink, de-icer, rock salt, a torch and spare batteries, a petrol can, first-aid kit and jump leads”. He wondered why people on his tram were looking at him.
A Government warning was recently aired:
“In icy conditions, if travelling far,
Take jump leads, torch, blankets, rock salt – be prepared”.
But it wasn’t restricted to travelling by car . . .
So walkers, and folk on the tram and the train,
Are weighed down with baggage that’s really not needed.
Their terrible plight should help to explain
Why imprecise warnings are best left unheeded.