Motorists warned to beware of icy roads in North Devon after gritter lorry overturns

Motorists are being urged to take extra care when driving on North Devon roads today.

The BBC travel news website warns of "slow traffic and hazardous driving conditions in both directions between the B3230 junction in Barnstaple and the A399 junction in Blackmoor Gate, because of ice and an overturned gritter lorry"

The driver of the lorry had to be rescued from the vehicle and the A39 has been closed both ways between the B3230 and the A399. Drivers are advised to approach with extreme caution.

Devon County Council anticipated these hazardous conditions and issued an emergency alert last night, warning people of the possibility of ice on the roads today. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Our main roads are passable with care and have been flowing smoothly, but conditions will remain treacherous overnight. The forecast of showers could lead to black ice, particularly on roads which haven’t been salted. With the threat of salt being washed off, even treated roads should be approached with extreme caution. Our teams will have quite a challenge on their hands but they’ll be doing everything they can to keep our highway network as clear as possible.”

These treacherous conditions are no doubt what caused the gritter lorry to overturn; and with the vehicle off the road for the time being, it is best to avoid the A39 where the ice still poses a real danger to drivers.

Motorists are being advised not to make any journeys unless they are absolutely necessary, but if your trip is essential, make sure you check out Bideford People's winter driving safety advice.