Call for care on roads as cold snap forecast

With snow and icy weather forecast to sweep into North Yorkshire at the weekend, police are advising drivers to take every precaution to keep safe.

Inspector Vicky Taylor, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “If your route is affected by snow or ice, the first thing you need to consider is whether or not your journey is actually necessary. If it isn’t essential and alternative work or personal arrangements can be made, then don’t go – simple as that.

“If you have no choice and have to travel in wintry weather, it is vital to give yourself more time, take extra care and adjust your driving to the conditions.

“This could be lowering your speed, increasing braking distances and making sure lights are on even during the day. The phrase that is often used in these circumstances is ‘drive to arrive’, and that is exactly what your priority should be. On treacherous roads, it is literally a case of better late than never.”

The Met Office is predicting sleet and snow tomorrow as showers come in from the North Sea, with five to 10cm of snow predicted for the North York Moors and possibly a few inches in populated areas. On Sunday West Yorkshire should be dry, bright and very cold but further east snow and sleet showers are set to continue.

Bradford Council moved to reassure residents that gritters would be out on the roads today and tomorrow. Coun Andrew Thornton said: “Because this winter has been relatively mild so far, we still have plenty of salt stocks but we will be concentrating on the primary routes to try and keep traffic flowing around the district.”

A spokesman for the AA said: “Even if you do not have snow, ice will be a risk.

“Keep your speed down particularly on rural roads and take extra care when approaching junctions and roundabouts.”