The big freeze is back

Drivers brave the conditions on Edenfield Road

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Rochdale woke to yet more snow this morning (Saturday 18 December 2010) leading to adverse driving conditions.

The snow began to fall across the borough late last night making getting home difficult for those partying on the famous ‘mad Friday.’

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Frank Saunders said: "There is an ongoing risk of snow across the UK through the weekend, and we continue to keep a close eye on how the forecast develops through the weekend and will update our forecasts to focus on areas most at risk of the heaviest snowfall."

A standard grit for snow commenced on the borough's main roads from around 11pm last night and into the early hours.

Main roads have been gritted and ploughed.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council, said: “We will monitor the weather forecast and take appropriate action as and when necessary.”

Elsewhere on the regions roads motorists spent hours stranded on the M6 last night following an accident which led to tailbacks on the M61 and the M62.

The advice today is to “check before you travel.”

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) said: "Passengers should, where possible, check operators' websites before travelling for the latest service update."

Driving in snow and ice advice from the AA:

• Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.
• Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.
• Wear comfortable, dry shoes: cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals.
• Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
• When climbing a hill it's important to avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front. Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.
• When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.
• Always apply brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.
• If you have an automatic, then under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern autos have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you're not sure.
• If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.