Lancaster, Lancashire, had its main roads treated with salt on February 13, 2026, to prevent ice from forming after temperatures dropped below freezing. The gritting teams were sent out during the afternoon and evening to ensure busy routes like the Bay Gateway remained safe for drivers and emergency vehicles. This action followed weather predictions that showed road surface temperatures falling to dangerous levels overnight, which often leads to ice forming on the asphalt.
The Lancashire County Council used a fleet of 58 vehicles to cover 1,800 miles of the most important travel links. This work focused on all A roads, B roads, and essential routes leading to local hospitals, ambulance stations, and main employment centres. The goal was to keep the primary network clear so that essential services, buses, and morning commuters could continue to move without disruption.
According to the Lancashire County Council, it usually takes about four hours for the fleet to complete a full round of these busy routes. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, who is responsible for the winter service, oversaw the efforts to keep traffic moving through the wintry night. The council monitored the situation closely as the cold weather moved across the North Lancashire area, affecting visibility and driving conditions.
While the biggest roads like the A6 were cleared, smaller residential side streets and secondary roads were not treated during this gritting run. According to the Lancashire County Council, these quieter roads are only salted during long periods of ice or snow once the main network is safe. This means many people living on residential estates may still face slippery conditions outside their front doors until temperatures rise.
Residents are encouraged to look at the Lancashire County Council website to see which streets in their neighbourhood have been gritted. Drivers should allow extra time for their journeys today as ice may still be found on any untreated surfaces. The council advises everyone to stay updated on road conditions by checking live reports before heading out for work or school.
