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Winter Weather Preparations in Full Swing Across Yorkshire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Highways Agency chiefs have urged motorists to exercise caution and consider postponing non-essential travel as the region braces itself for sub-zero temperatures. With a fleet of 50 snowploughs and blowers on standby, Leeds City Council's 37-strong gritting team is prepared to tackle the region's motorways and city streets, utilizing 26,000 tonnes of salt to maintain 30 routes across the city.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Highways Agency has a fleet of over 50 snowploughs and blowers ready to cope with sub-zero temperatures on the region's motorways.
  • Leeds City Council's 37-strong gritting fleet has 26,000 tonnes of salt at its disposal to spread across 30 routes in the city.
  • Councillor Steve Smith, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for highways, stated that the council's gritting teams are on standby round the clock and prepare well in advance for wintry periods.
  • The Highways Agency's Traffic Officer patrols will be deployed on major motorways in West Yorkshire, including the M1, M62, M606, and M621.
  • The Agency is also developing a network of regional traffic control centres, with the Yorkshire and Humber centre recently opened near Wakefield.
  • Derek Turner, the Agency's Traffic Operations Director, emphasized the importance of monitoring weather forecasts and collaborating with the Met Office to ensure safe and open roads.
  • The Agency's message to motorists is to check their routes and the forecast before traveling and to consider postponing non-essential travel when severe weather is forecast.

Statistics:

  • 50 snowploughs and blowers are on standby for the Highways Agency.
  • 37-strong gritting fleet is available for Leeds City Council.
  • 26,000 tonnes of salt are available for distribution across Leeds City Council's routes.
  • 30 routes in the city are maintained by the Leeds City Council gritting team.
  • 4 major motorways in West Yorkshire will be patrolled by the Highways Agency's Traffic Officer teams.
  • The Highways Agency is developing a network of regional traffic control centres, including the recently-opened Yorkshire and Humber centre.

Sources:

  • By Andrew Hutchinson "Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the cold. And don't drive unless you have to."
  • Councillor Steve Smith (Leeds City Council executive board member)
  • Derek Turner (Highways Agency Traffic Operations Director)
  • andrew.hutchinson@ypn.co.uk

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