Gritters prepare for icy weather across Lancashire this weekend

Lancashire's fleet of gritters are gearing up to keep the county moving over the weekend, with further wintry showers and icy conditions forecast tonight (Friday).
Lancashire's gritters are gearing up to keep the county moving over the weekendLancashire's gritters are gearing up to keep the county moving over the weekend
Lancashire's gritters are gearing up to keep the county moving over the weekend

The cold conditions are forecast to last throughout the weekend, with rain, sleet and ice possible on Friday through to Sunday before the weather becomes more settled early next week.

This latest forecast follows the Met Office Yellow alert for ice and snow in the county last night (Thursday).County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This change in weather is keeping our gritting teams very busy, and we're well prepared to deal with whatever the weather brings over the weekend. "The forecast predicts wintry showers and very cold temperature tonight with the prospect of widespread frost and ice where surfaces are wet. I would therefore ask people to be particularly careful on Saturday morning as conditions could be icy. "Our highway teams will be out gritting in the worst hit areas, but drivers should take extra care as when a road has been gritted, it can remain icy until the movement of traffic has worked the salt in and made it take effect, so it's vital to drive according to the conditions and consider that there could be icy patches." Lancashire County Council has a fleet of 45 frontline gritters which can treat the approximately 1,800 miles of the county council's priority road network within around four hours, but may take longer in severe conditions.

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Highways England are also urging drivers to take extra care on the road network today and through to tomorrow morning, to check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out.

They also strongly advise to avoid travelling in poor conditions, particularly if the journey is not essential.