Date: 14/12/2012
Ref: PR 3942

Gritters were out across the Wakefield district early this morning when black ice caused chaos across the whole of West Yorkshire

Even motorways were affected when freezing rain started at 4.30am.

Graham West, Wakefield Council’s highways network manager, said: “Black ice forms when supercooled rain falls on to sub-zero temperature roads, washes off the salt and then immediately freezes.  This is an exceptional weather condition and we can simply do nothing before the event.

“We gritted last night at 7pm and went out again this morning at 5:30am. Nevertheless, the conditions on both roads and pavements were extremely difficult this morning.

"We urge both drivers and pedestrians to take great care when moving about.  Hopefully, temperatures will rise later this morning and the situation will improve.

The Council was aiming to complete all household bin rounds today, though refuse lorries were moving slowly and with caution.  Gritters were prioritising main routes, and then moving on to bin routes and side roads.

Most schools in the district were opening as normal this morning and two which were closed – Ossett Academy and Netherton Primary – were aiming to open later today.  Wakefield Pathways School, which draws pupils from all parts of the district, will be closed all day.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk for school closures and other service disruptions or follow #wakeywinter on the Council’s Twitter page @mywakefield