Tuesday 29 September begins damp and cloudy across London and south-east England, with patchy light rain possible before brighter spells develop later in the morning. The Met Office regional forecast says cloud should break through the morning, while the Esher forecast changes from overcast conditions to sunny intervals by late morning. That makes the first journey a transition drive: road surfaces may still be damp even when the sky begins to improve. Conditions vary by location, so check the latest forecast and live travel information before leaving.
Do not move until every window is clear
Give yourself a few extra minutes before starting the journey. Clear moisture from the windscreen, rear window, side windows and mirrors, then wait until the demister has created a genuinely unobstructed view. A small clear patch is not enough. The Highway Code vehicle-maintenance guidance says windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision, and that demisters, wipers and washers should be in working order.
Wipe the inside of the glass with a clean microfibre cloth if a film remains, but keep the cloth secured when it is not in use. Loose items on the dashboard can obstruct your view or move under braking. Set the cabin ventilation before joining traffic so you are not reaching for controls while negotiating a junction.
Check the wash and wipe before traffic builds
Run the washers and wipers while the car is stationary. The blades should clear the screen cleanly without leaving broad smears, and the washer jets should reach the swept area. If a blade is damaged or the washer bottle is empty, correct the problem before a longer journey. Spray from other vehicles can cover the windscreen quickly on a damp road, especially behind vans and lorries.
Keep headlights, indicators, reflectors and number plates clean as well. Dipped headlights can help you be seen in gloomy conditions, but fog lights are not a substitute for normal lights. The Highway Code says fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced and must be switched off when conditions improve.
Leave more room on a damp surface
The Highway Code warns that stopping distances are at least double on wet roads compared with dry roads. Increase the following gap, reduce speed smoothly and avoid sharp steering or braking. Be particularly patient near crossings, bus stops and school routes, where pedestrians and cyclists may be harder to spot against a grey background.
Do not assume a brighter patch of sky means the road is dry. Shaded areas, painted road markings, metal covers and leaves can remain slippery. Look well ahead, brake early and let the vehicle settle before turning. If the steering feels unusually light or unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually rather than making an abrupt correction.
Secure essential equipment before setting off
A compact escape tool should be reachable from a belted seating position but must not be left loose in a cup holder or on a seat. Follow the product instructions and use a secure interior location such as a suitable door pocket or fixed holder. Check that every regular driver knows where it is stored. An emergency tool is a contingency item, not a substitute for routine maintenance, safe driving or calling the emergency services when required.
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Use the weather change as a second check
If the cloud lifts later, review the glass again at the next safe stop. Drying droplets and road spray can leave a film that catches brighter light. Top up washer fluid, remove any new obstruction and make sure nothing has shifted around the cabin. The useful habit is simple: clear glass before movement, working wash-and-wipe equipment, more space on damp roads and securely stored safety equipment.
Sources: Met Office Esher forecast; Met Office Greenwich forecast; The Highway Code: driving in adverse weather; The Highway Code: vehicle maintenance.
