Gritting teams work round the clock to keep Lancashire's roads moving

Monday, 5 January 2026 13:07

By Central Radio News

Gritting crews are continuing their work to keep Lancashire's roads safe and open as a Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place.

Large parts of the county have been hit by snow showers and more wintry showers are expected through the rest of the week, as well as longer spells of rain or snow.

Gritting crews have been out every day of 2026 and as all priority routes have been treated, they are gritting secondary routes today too.

The County Council has up to 150 drivers on standby 24/7 to grit Lancashire's roads during the winter months.

They are responsible for 4,300 miles of roads and approximately 1,800 miles are part of the priority network.

Priority routes include non-trunk motorways and 'A' roads, 'B' roads which are routes in and out of towns, roads which lead to hospitals, emergency service stations, main employment centres, and important public transport routes as well as single routes into villages.

Secondary routes are treated during periods of continuous ice and snow, but only during daylight hours and after the higher priority roads have been cleared.

There are grit bins and salt piles across the county which residents can use to grit roads and pavements nearby. A cupful of grit will cover around a square metre and deal with most hazards.

Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "Our teams have been working flat out to keep Lancashire’s roads safe and open, however travel may still be difficult as snow and ice covers large parts of Lancashire.

"We're doing everything we can to get you where you need to be, and our focus has to be on keeping main routes open and moving.

"Please only travel if you absolutely have to, and take care if you are out on the roads over the next few days."

People are also being asked to check in on family and friends who may be more vulnerable in the cold weather.

If it is safe to do so, people can visit their local library which is part of a network of warm, safe and welcoming spaces to support residents during the winter months, with free hot drinks available.