Drivers and pedestrians in Cumbria are being advised to take extra care over the next 48 hours as weather conditions in the county present a recipe for danger.
Days of freezing weather have left roads and pavement surfaces and substructures frozen through - with air temperatures on the rise and rain forecast, the conditions could spell trouble for drivers and pedestrians.
The conditions mean that the forecast rain could wash away the salt spread to prevent ice from forming and then the frozen roads could turn the rain to ice creating very slippery conditions in spite of gritting efforts.
Cumbria Highways will be salting routes as often as it can in order to keep the roads as safe as possible, but conditions over the next few days could be particularly treacherous on all surfaces.
Cumbria Highways gritting fleet has been working around the clock to grit priority one, two and three routes around the county. We will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly.
Over the next few days, including the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays, everyone should try to be aware of weather conditions and the risk of ice on the road and underfoot.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Justin Hawkins, Media Officer on 01228 606334
Notes
Cumbria County Council has sent a special winter driving leaflet to every house in the county with details of the routes gritted as first and second priority. To view an earlier press release about Winter Maintenance in Cumbria follow this link: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/news/2007/october/30_10_2007-131227.asp
Follow this link to view the special winter driving leaflet