Weather conditions easing across Bolton (From The Bolton News)

Weather conditions easing across Bolton

2:20pm Thursday 24th December 2009

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The Met Office is not currently issuing any weather warnings as the snowy conditions which have blighted Bolton this week start to ease.

More snow fell overnight in Bolton and weather experts warned drivers of icy roads.

But although The Met Office issued a severe weather warning this morning, saying people should be prepared and asking people to be careful when out driving, it has downgraded the severity.

It is allowing people to get away for Christmas with reports that the motorways and main roads are generally working normally.

Caution is being reserved for the still-icy side roads and, with more than 12 million motorists set to take the road this Christmas, the easing of the weather is perfectly timed.

A Met Office spokesman said, however: “The chilly weather will continue over the next few days."

Roads were gridlocked this morning as drivers slowed to negotiate the snow and ice.

Meanwhile, Bolton Council’s gritting fleet has been out 24 hours a day since Friday night in a bid to keep the roads safe and clear. The council has used almost 800 tonnes of grit so far, but reassured people it still has plenty left.

After last year’s shortage, new rules mean the council will now order fresh stocks of grit when its supply falls below 2,000 tonnes, rather than the 1,600 tonnes in the past.

Gary Whittle, secretary of the Bolton Institute of Advance Motorists, warned: “It’s bad. Our advice is to take care when driving, but don’t drive unless you have to.

“Steer gently, don’t accelerate quickly and don’t brake harshly.”

The past three days’ bin collections have been cancelled due to road safety, and collections will be made on the corresponding day next week. Two extra bags will be allowed as long as they are tied and placed next to the bin.

The Highways Agency was using wet salt on the M61, which is more effective than the traditional dry grit, but warned that no amount of spreading would protect against heavy snowfall.

A spokesman said: “Drive according to the conditions, and don’t travel unless you have to.”

He added that drivers should carry an emergency kit with them, even on short journeys, including warm clothes and a blanket, an ice scraper and de-icer, jump leads, a shovel, a torch, food and water, boots and a first-aid kit.

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