Gritting staff are continuing to work to keep roads in Lancashire safe after more snowfall.
Parts of Lancashire had freezing temperatures last night, notably in the county’s east, and gritters were out early this morning (January 6) to keep key highways safe and open.
Weather warnings for snow and ice remain in effect throughout Lancashire and the rest of the North West.
The county council has a fleet of 45 gritters available, including two new specialist trucks known as Unimogs, which are equipped with a motorised plough.
The council of Blackburn with Darwen has announced that gritting will commence this afternoon, with minimum road surface temperatures forecast to reach -2.9°C.
The current suggestion is to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Councillor Rupert Swarbrick (Image via Lancashire County Council)
Cllr Ruper Sawbrick, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, stated, “Our teams have been working around the clock to make Lancashire’s roads safe for everyone.”
“While we are doing everything we can, it is just not practical to treat every one of the 4000+ miles of road that the council maintains.
“Our focus has been on keeping our main routes open and moving, and once those are completed, we can move on to our secondary routes.
“Despite our best efforts, conditions may remain severe, so do not travel unless absolutely necessary, and rethink your travel plans for the following days.
“As the ice thaws, some locations may experience localised flooding, and we will be prepared to respond, as we have been throughout the New Year period.
“Be vigilant, and if you encounter an emergency, notify the emergency services.
“Lastly, I’d like to give a huge thanks to our highways teams and our partners for their efforts in responding to the extreme weather over the Christmas and New Year period.”
The county’s head of public health has also provided some advise, urging residents to keep an eye out for friends and relatives who may be prone to colder temperatures.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi stated, “Cold weather can have major effects for health, thus it’s critical that we look out for one another.
“Older persons, young children, and those with specific long-term health issues may be especially vulnerable.
“If it is safe to do so, people can also visit your local library, which is part of a network of warm, safe and welcoming spaces to support residents during the winter months.”
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