Warning to take care on the roads as freeze hits

And following the first flurries of snow on Boxing Day, the Met Office has issued a further yellow weather warning for ice over the next couple of days, adding to the dangers on Lancashire’s traffic networks.

Stephen Bush, Emergency Planning Manager at the Highways Agency said: “At this time of the year many parts of the road network can become very busy.

“This, combined with wintry weather, can cause delays to your journey.

“That’s why we advise road users to keep themselves informed by listening to local radio stations, checking the weather forecast and, if you are going to a major retail centre, by checking out their website in advance.”

A spokesman for the Met Office reiterated the warning, adding: “Widespread icy patches are expected to readily form on untreated surfaces, especially where snow cover exists or where wintry showers occur. The public should take extra care and be aware of the possibility of some disruption to travel.”

The Highways Agency also encouraged drivers to take some simple steps during winter such as preparing an emergency kit in your vehicle, including ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses for the winter glare.

The Met Office had earlier said there was a 90 percent chance of severe cold, ice or snow in parts of England between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

While temperatures could drop as low as minus 10C in some places at the start of the week as the cloud and wet weather gives way to clearer skies.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “As winter weather grips some areas of the country we would advise people intending to travel to check weather and local conditions before they set out.

“The Highways Agency and local highway authorities across the country are working hard to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”

For more information on traffic across Lancashire and the rest of the North West, drivers are urged to visit www.highways.gov.uk or contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.