Drivers in Swindon are being warned to be aware of treacherous conditions around the town following the weekend’s heavy snowfall - with a risk of black ice forming on some roads.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Although major routes will be gritted, there are many minor roads and country lanes which won't be. As a result, we are asking people to drive carefully on all routes and to try, where possible, to avoid country lanes and untreated roads which can be particularly hazardous in icy conditions. We would encourage drivers to check the local weather forecast before setting out too. Yesterday, we saw a large number of collisions at junctions, in particular, where people are trying to stop as if the conditions are normal and dry; when the roads are wet and icy, it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle, so please remember to slow down and plan well ahead of a junction so you slowly come to a halt just before or as you get to the junction."
Swindon Borough Council is reporting that most of the major roads in Swindon have been treated by their gritting teams who have been working overnight but that some of the steepest hills in Old Town and Lawn will be gritted by hand throughout the morning.
A council spokesman warned: “Although it may appear the roads have not been gritted first thing in the morning, the salt will be on the roads and will need to be driven on to turn it into a saline solution. This will then encourage the thaw of any ice and snow. The main roads will start to clear once again when the network is busier.”
The Met Office have put yellow warning of snow in place as forecasters say that patches of black ice could form as temperatures continue to hold below freezing. It is predicted that after a cloudy start, the outlook is for the weather to begin clearing, turning drier and sunnier for most but a cold and windy day for most.
Rail services appear to be running with only minor delays but travellers are advised to check their route using the National Rail journey planner.
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