With snow falling across the East Riding and more expected over the next few days residents are being reminded to take care and drive to the conditions on the roads.
For regular updates on the weather conditions and school closures residents are asked to log on to the council’s website www.eastriding.gov.uk or tune in to BBC Radio Humberside on 95.9FM or 1485AM.
Relevant council staff are on 24-hour duty with staff also on call should the situation deteriorate due to further heavy snow.
Roads in the East Riding are being treated every day during the current cold spell. The precautionary network includes 780 miles of road, which is sometimes treated several times in a day. The responsive network includes another 280 miles of road which are treated when there is capacity to do so.
Between them the two networks make up around sixty per cent of the East Riding’s roads. This is a far higher proportion than most authorities cover and is roughly equivalent to covering the distance between Hull and London five times, using the M1.
The message to drivers is to set off in good time, drive to the conditions, and remember that while treated roads should be less icy, no amount of treatment will create summer driving conditions during winter weather.
All road users and pedestrians should be extremely cautious on any road or pavement, whether treated or not, in freezing temperatures. If conditions are bad and the journey is not essential, it is always safer to avoid making it.
Before setting out drivers are advised to clear their windows, check and clean lights, check tyres and switch their phone off. In severe conditions useful items to keep in a car include warm clothing, a torch, a shovel and water. Pedestrians should wear sensible footwear.
