DEEP snow and sub-zero temperatures across parts of Craven in recent days have created treacherous conditions for highways teams working round the clock.

With icy conditions, sleet and snow set to continue and some areas expected to see sub-zero temperatures prevail into the weekend and beyond, North Yorkshire County Council says it is continuing to run its winter highways service at full throttle.

Gritting crews have been on hand to treat the roads, with some runs starting at 4am, and road users were urged to take extra care and only make essential journeys.

Gritters are on call 24 hours a day, farmer contractors, duty managers and overnight patrols are all on standby when necessary.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, added: “We have a robust winter gritting service and do our best to keep the county moving. The safety of our residents is the top priority, so please be assured that our gritting teams are working around the clock to respond to poor conditions.

“We are urging drivers to be aware that although most of the snow has disappeared, ice will continue to cause hazards on the roads. Please drive with caution and allow extra time for your essential journeys.”

The County Council uses the latest weather forecasting technology in planning its gritting operations. This includes ice prediction weather stations, a 24-hour weather forecast and road temperature sensor data.

For live updates of road conditions on North Yorkshire’s roads visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/road-cameras-and-weather-conditions