A council has shared a photo of some poorly parked cars in Lancashire that prevented the gritting team from doing their job.

The gritters have been out in force this week as the county faces plunging temperatures and icy conditions.

The council say some routes may have been left ungritted as “poorly parked cars” have blocked the gritters’ way.

It shared an image of poorly parked vehicles, which was taken on Wednesday night (December 15).

The council say this could lead to a delay in roads being treated and could also pose an issue for emergency service vehicles.

A council spokesperson said: “Help our gritting teams and park responsibly so gritters and emergency service vehicles can get through this.

“One of our drivers took a photo last night as they were stopped by poorly parked cars while trying to negotiate one of our urban gritting routes.

“Poor parking such as this means that parts of some routes may not be gritted, and treatment is delayed as the driver tries to find a way around and back onto their planned route.”

Lancashire has seen ice and snow this week and the 'big freeze' is set to continue into the weekend.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow across Lancashire and most other parts of the UK on Sunday (December 18).

The warning is in force from 3am to 9pm on Sunday, December 18, and covers all parts of Lancashire, Blackburn included.

The Met Office has warned the public to expect travel disruption, potential power cuts and a chance of injury from slips and falls

Lancashire Council’s winter driving advice


Before you set off:

  • check the local weather forecast and traffic reports;
  • plan your route, allow for extra travelling time and consider alternative routes if practical;
  • check your car battery, lights, indicators, windscreen wipers and washers and coolant level;
  • make sure your windscreen and all windows are clear and unobstructed;
  • make sure your tyres have the correct pressure and are in good condition with at least 3mm of tread;
  • avoid travelling in severe weather conditions unless your journey is essential.

Tips for safer winter driving:

  • keep a safe stopping distance at all times. It can take ten times longer to stop in ice and snow;
  • avoid harsh braking and sudden acceleration; this could lead to skidding;
  • if visibility is poor during the day due to heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, use dipped headlights. If visibility is seriously reduced, use rear fog lights, but remember to turn them off when visibility improves so as to not dazzle other road users;
  • drive in the highest gear possible in icy conditions to avoid wheel spin;
  • do not drive in flooded areas or places where ice could be covering water;
  • watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders – they can be difficult to see in bad conditions;
  • try your brakes after driving through deep water, braking lightly will help to dry them out;
  • always give our gritters and snow ploughs plenty of room, be patient and don’t follow too closely behind.