Cornwall residents urged to avoid unnecessary travel
The council warn that even roads which have been salted will be icy due to the extreme weather conditions
Last updated 12th Dec 2022
Cornwall Council is urging residents not to travel today (Monday 12 December) unless absolutely essential as freezing temperatures cause treacherous driving conditions.
The call comes as Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s critical control centre and the highways service dealt with more than 300 reports of road traffic accidents linked to ice over the weekend.
The authority says Cormac’s gritting lorries are working "around the clock" to salt major routes throughout Cornwall.
They add that even roads which have been salted will be icy due to the extreme weather conditions, the council warns. Pavements are also expected to be slippery.
Cllr Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for transport, said: "Our emergency services and gritting lorries are working hard to keep residents safe but we’re calling on everyone to avoid travelling unless absolutely essential as it is treacherous out there.
"Please help our emergency services get to the people most in need by keeping routes clear and staying safe at home."
Parents of schoolchildren and college students are being asked to look out for messages from schools and colleges about possible changes to opening times and school transport disruption on Monday.
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children and families, said: "We know schools and colleges are already considering delaying opening times or closing so, for parents - schools and colleges will be in contact with you if there are any changes to the schedule and school transport services.
"Please look out for school messages by text, email, social media or school messaging systems.
"We need everyone to stay safe and take extra care to avoid the risk of falls and injuries during this extreme weather."
Information on school closures will be listed on school websites and on the council website.