But highways chiefs today hit back at claims main roads had been left ungritted.

Many drivers were left fuming after routes became treacherous following the sudden snowfall yesterday and again overnight.

But Jez Evans, operations manager at Blackpool Council's Layton depot, said all the major routes had been gritted.

He said: "While we accept there may have been problems on some routes we have had teams out around the clock putting down extra grit to make sure motorists and pedestrians can get to where they need to go safely.

"The snow fell very quickly and that has hindered our operations as much of the grit will have been washed away.

"But we went out again straight away to treat the roads again and will do so over the next few days to make sure the roads are covered."

Many minor roads in Fylde and Wyre became impassable. This led to angry calls council bosses had not done enough to clear the roads.

But County Coun Keith Young, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We are confident the main routes have enough salt to stand up to the weather.

"Of course salt is not a magic solution to ice and snow, but the fact that the priority routes have remained useable with care is a tribute to the hard work of our staff."

Among the worst affected routes were Preston New Road, St Walburga's Road and Newton Drive in Blackpool, and Clifton Drive South in St Annes, where a car collided with a lamp-post outside King Edward and Queen Mary School.

East Park Drive in Blackpool was closed for about two hours yesterday after police deemed it was too dangerous for motorists. It re-opened just before lunchtime.

The M55 was passable but only with extreme care, while traffic was moving slowly with tailbacks at the Preston and Blackpool ends of the route.

Many companies reported staff arriving late, while a spokesman for Blackpool Police confirmed there had been an increase in the number of accidents.

Garstang Road East saw a number of collisions on the stretch leading up to the junction with Lodge Lane.

The police spokesman said: "From 8.15am to 10am it was utter mayhem on Garstang Road East.

"The road was like an ice rink and there were numerous bumps and lorries skidding. One truck collided with the traffic lights and a coach skidded onto the pavement."

Further down Garstang Road, tailbacks were caused when a 40 tonne lorry got stuck in the snow at Windy Harbour traffic lights.

Some bus routes were affected. Passengers reported having to disembark at Hawes Side Lane when their bus got stuck in snow. Buses between Preston and Blackpool were cancelled earlier today.

Trevor Roberts, managing director of Blackpool Transport, said: "The buses were running normally although some were late.

"A few did get stuck, mainly through lack of gritting.

* Snow is forecast again tonight.