Gritters out as snow threatens

Jan 4 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GRITTERS have been out in Kirklees during the cold weather.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said yesterday: “We carried out a snow grit at 4pm on Wednesday of car parks and town centre pavements after snow flurries were forecast.

“We’ve had no reports of problems as yet despite the occasional snow flurry. We expect temperatures to start rising again.”

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for motorways and A roads, said its gritters were on standby.

A spokesman advised motorists to drive with care. He said: “It can take ten times longer to stop when its icy, so allow more room to slow down and stop. Avoid losing control of your vehicle because of wheel spin by using the highest possible gear.”

The agency also advised motorists to check the weather forecast before heading out and to leave extra time to complete the journey.

Motorists were also advised to be prepared in case their car breaks-down by taking warm clothes, food and drink, boots, a de-icer, a torch and a shovel.

The AA has also advised drivers to be wary during the bad weather.

Spokesman Andrew Howard said: “There are four key questions that motorists will have to deal with if there is snow on the roads: Do you have to travel? Are you prepared to be late arriving at your destination? How will you deal with other motorists’ mistakes? Are you prepared if you get stranded?”