Ice warning in Lancashire

Lancashire County Council's gritting teams will be treating roads across the county this afternoon, evening and overnight, with an ice warning issued by the Met Office.

Rain is likely to fall on frozen surfaces creating difficult conditions. The county council is advising people to consider whether travel is essential.

People are advised to take extra care on roads and pavement, to avoid incidents and injuries.

According to the Met Office - Between 4pm today (Tue 12th Dec) and 11am tomorrow (Wed 13th Dec): Ice is expected to form on some surfaces from late Tuesday afternoon and last overnight into Wednesday morning. The chance of this is highest across parts of Scotland and northern England where rain may fall onto frozen surfaces. A few centimetres of fresh snow are also likely on high ground, mainly across Scotland and northern England. There will probably be icy stretches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths with some injuries possible from slips and falls. There is also a very small chance of travel disruption across parts of Scotland and northern England.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We're prepared for ice that could affect Lancashire overnight, and are treating the priority roads this afternoon ahead of the colder overnight temperatures which are forecast.

"Our gritting teams have been out and about over the past few days, but I'd still ask drivers to be aware that surfaces could be slippery at times even on treated roads, and to drive according to the conditions.

"Even 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."

Lancashire County Council has a fleet of 45 frontline gritters, which can treat the 1,800 miles of the county council's priority road network within around four hours, but may take longer in severe conditions.