Well that's the UK for you. Winters so mild, especially recently, I've never before considered chains: which is probably why, until a few minutes ago, I assumed in colder countries one fitted chains for the winter and left them on until spring. I did wonder what happened to the road surface when one reached the cleared motorway. Now I understand one only keeps the chains on for the 20 to 30 yards of local road until a clear road is reached, and then one has to take the darn things off again ! And reverse the process on the way back. Must be an easier way surely. Too much fussing about unless a trip is vital.