Lancashire traffic and travel updates for your journey home after snow falls across Lancashire
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Lancashire has become a winter wonderland overnight with snow continuing to fall across the whole county this morning.
A Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice is now in place as the forecaster warns of disruption to travel on roads and railways today, while an amber cold weather alert has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency.
Follow our live blog for the latest traffic, travel and weather updates from across the region.
LIVE Lancashire snow, traffic and weather updates as Met Office warnings in place
Road closed after crash in Fulwood
Boys Lane is currently closed both ways due to accident and ice from Walker Lane to Black Bull Lane.
A police spokesperson said: "Officers are on scene and dealing with a road traffic collision at Boys Lane in Fulwood.
"The road has been closed due to the collision and icy conditions. Please plan your route accordingly to avoid the area."
Chorley school closure
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Withnell has closed to all pupils due to having no water this morning.
"No water, water boiler leaking significantly. Water had to be shut off," says a notice on the Lancashire County Council website.
Delays in Tanterton / Ingol, Preston
There are traffic issues in the Tanterton area of Preston this morning.
A large part of Tag Lane and also Tom Benson Way has been closed in recent days due to works taking place.
This has led to a number of collisions at the main junction and today's snow is causing further disruption to journeys in the area.
On Monday a water main burst in the middle of the junction leading United Utilities to put four-way temporary traffic lights in place at the junction.
Today's snowy weather has added to the chaos, with some drivers reporting delays of around 30 minutes on approach to the junction.
Earlier this morning it was backed up from the junction at Tanterton Hall Road/Tag Lane all the way to the Guild Merchant/Sainsbury's roundabout and beyond for Tag Lane (going towards the town centre) and for Tanterton Hall Road.
Tag Lane coming towards the junction from town was backed up all the way to Cadley Causeway and beyond.
Expert tips for driving in the snow
AO transport operations manager, Karl Williams, has put together some winter driving tips for today.
- Don’t accelerate too quickly or harshly in snow as this can dig your car into a rut. If this happens, accelerate gently in the highest gear possible, moving your car backwards and forwards until you’re out of the rut. If you’re not able to get out alone, ask for help from other motorists.
- If you don’t already, turn your window wipers off at the end of every journey before turning off the car. If your windscreen freezes, this can tear wiper blades if they come on automatically. Also, keep your windscreen washer fluid nozzles clear of snow and ice, and use a washer fluid with anti-freeze to help clear your windscreen quickly.
- Leave significant room around larger vehicles, including buses, vans and lorries – bigger vehicles, especially HGV’s, have the potential to jack-knife if they hit a patch of ice.
- Be visible and have visibility – If you fail to clean your whole car of snow before setting off, you risk being fined £60 and receiving three penalty points on your licence. You also need to ensure you clear your lights and number plates are fully visible prior to every trip on the road.
- Have the right lights on – If you are driving along rural or dark roads, ensure you put your full beam lights on if there are no other vehicles on the road. If driving in heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, dipped headlights are best. If there is very low visibility or fog, then pop your fog light on so other drivers can see you clearly.
- Consider winter tyres – these can be useful in any driving conditions under 7c. Winter tyres offer far more traction and grip than regular tyres. For those without winter tyres, a 3mm tread tyre is recommend.
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Can you be sued for clearing snow from your path or pavement?
The Government has issued advice to anyone who may be put off picking up a spade and clearing away snow and ice from public paths outside their homes, for fear of legal action if someone were to be injured.
https://www.lep.co.uk/read-this/can-you-be-sued-for-clearing-snow-from-your-path-or-pavement-4478146
How much snow can we expect in Lancashire?
The Met Office says we can expect around 5-10 cm of snow across parts of Lancashire today.
Check our full weather report for the latest forecast.
Gritting update
Lancashire County Council say their gritters have been out this morning but are warning motorists that surfaces could stil be slippery at times even on treated roads.
They are urging people to "take extra care when driving this morning and leave more time for your journey".
A spokesperson said:
We have forecast of snow and temperatures could drop below zero this morning so our gritters will be out patrolling and monitoring the priority routes and treating them where necessary.
Please take extra care on the roads if you are out driving.
Priority routes only cover a third of the highway network and ice patches can develop on treated surfaces caused by water run-off from fields or other sources. Ice is most likely on untreated surfaces.
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