Motorists faced treacherous driving conditions in higher parts across Huddersfield this morning due to snow.
Holmfirth and surrounding area was one of the worst affected with hazardous driving conditions due to snow on the A635 Holmfirth to Greenfield road, the A6024 Woodhead Road in Holmfirth and Chew Valley Road at Greenfield.
Eye-witnesses reported that there were numerous abandoned vehicles along the road and only 4x4 vehicles were able to get through.
Parts of the Colne Valley were also badly hit, especially around Scapegoat Hill and Bolster Moor, with vehicles sliding on ungritted roads.
Paul Stothart, of Hepworth, rang the council to complain about the snow and problems in the village today.
“It started about 6.30am and put a lot of snow down and Butt Lane through the village has been a nightmare, with vehicles sliding all over.
“We had previously been in touch with the council asking for a grit bin and I was more than happy to spread the girt, but the response was that people in rural areas should pop down to B &Q and buy their own grit.
“I rang a local councillor today to tell him what was happening and Highways have said they will take a look”
Routes were also gridlocked during the rush hour due to traffic avoiding back roads and heading out on central routes such as Manchester Road in Marsden.
Traffic coming off the M62 at junction 22 along Ripponden Road towards Oldham was also disrupted with hazardous snowy and icy conditions.
A number of cars were stuck or abandoned.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Economy and Environment, Ian Gray, said: “Our gritting crews are on call 24/7 and in regular contact with the Met Office for weather forecasts so they can take appropriate action.
“We make decisions about gritting following receipt of an up to date weather forecast from the Met Office, which might be during the night. Yesterday’s forecast did not indicate any issues with snow in Calderdale, but as soon as we became aware of the snow our crews went out straight away to grit the main roads on higher ground. They are continuing to patrol and monitor conditions and will be out for as long as needed”.
Huddersfield weatherman Paul Stevens said: “We have been getting sleet and snow above 500 ft so there are a couple of inches in many areas.
“The weekend looks set to be very chilly and the colder weather will continue into next week, so if we get a shower it could well fall as snow”.
