Drivers urged to use Staffordshire's main roads and plan ahead because of snow

There's a plea to drivers across Staffordshire to ensure they travel carefully and stay safe on the road, following a number of weather-related traffic incidents in North Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a number of incidents in the Moorlands on Thursday. A man in Leek overturned his car, after trying to drive through heavy snow, whilst another man, near Blythe Bridge, skidded in snow and ended up spinning his car onto an embankment.

Later on, a driver broke down in Cellarhead, causing a significant tailback. Just after midday, an HGV got stuck whilst driving through Cheadle.

This comes after the Met Office issued an Amber weather warning for snow for most of the Staffordshire Moorlands from noon until 6pm.

A Yellow weather warning was also issued for snow covering the whole of Staffordshire until 6am on Friday.

Snowfall has impacted road conditions

It's prompted a fresh warning for people to only make journeys that are absolutely necessary. have to travel, we strongly advise you to keep to main roads wherever possible and to plan your route in advance. You should also have de-icer, wa"rm clothing, food, water and blankets in your vehicle, in case you become stranded.

Visibility is said to be potentially dangerous

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service says: "If you do have to travel, we strongly advise you to keep to main roads wherever possible and to plan your route in advance. You should also have de-icer, warm clothing, food, water and blankets in your vehicle, in case you become stranded."

Highways crews are also using eleven tractors fitted with ploughs to clear routes leading to Flash, the highest village in England.

Roads in Leek and Hemmingslow were gritted at 5am and again after 11am after the rain turned to more sleet and slow.

Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, David Williams, says that gritters have been very active.

“They were also out in force last night gritting primary and secondary routes to make sure our roads were best prepared for the snow and sleet that came today.

“As predicted, the Moorlands did see the worst of the snowy conditions, particularly after the rainfall we had, but our hill contractors were on hand to clear the roads.

“Our crews will continue to work until the snow has cleared but, until then, please take extra care and allow extra time for your journey if you need to drive today.”

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