Drivers urged to be cautious as ice warnings stay in place for Harrogate and North Yorkshire

A further Met Office Ice weather warning has been issued following widespread snowfall over the weekend coupled with more rain and sub-zero temperatures.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are also predicted this week making travel conditions difficult, especially on any untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

North Yorkshire County Council’s gritting crews have been on hand to treat the roads, but drivers are being urged to take extra care and only make essential journeys.

Northallerton, Thirsk and Easingwold areas have been particularly affected with reports of extensive black ice today, Monday.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “Our gritting teams have worked hard throughout the current cold spell to make our roads safer. Severe weather warnings remain in place and so regular treatment of our priority routes continues for as long as is necessary. We hold good stocks of salt.

“We would like to remind the public that while we are treating routes several times during the course of the day, salt has a limited effect on black ice and it is likely that driving conditions will remain challenging.

“As vehicles drive over the salt on the roads, it will help clear further snow from the surface, but please bear in mind the current weather conditions and don't make unnecessary journeys.”

The County Council’s gritting crews are on call 24 hours a day from October until April. For more information about our winter service, including which roads are gritted as a priority, and when treatment takes place, please visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/road-gritting