Safety and travel advice after snow and ice cause road collisions

We are urging people to travel carefully and stay safe on the road, following a number of weather-related traffic incidents in North Staffordshire.

We have been called to a number of incidents in the Moorlands area. This morning, 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.

We are calling on residents to only make journeys that are absolutely necessary. As well as making road conditions worse, snowfall is also impacting dangerously on visibility.

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.

For more important advice on how to stay safe on the roads in adverse conditions, visit:  The Highway Code - Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)