City of York Council is warning motorists, other road users and pedestrians to take care on untreated roads and footpaths this weekend after a forecast of rain.

Highways staff fear that the rain will freeze and create treacherous conditions under wheel and foot on roads and footpaths which are outside the council's gritting programme.

Mike Tavener, the council's winter maintenance officer, said, "We keep a regular check on the weather throughout the week and rely on frequent Met Office forecasts to help us plan the gritting programme.

"The Met Office has told us today that there is a moderate chance of rain later tonight or in the early hours of tomorrow (Saturday) morning and if that falls on already-frozen surfaces there is a danger of black ice forming."

Mr Tavener said that while no problem was anticipated with the treated network, drivers, other road users and pedestrians should take care elsewhere.

He said, "City of York Council has one of the most comprehensive gritting programmes in the country and we also provide a lot of self-grit bins but we cannot cover every part of the network.

"People should be aware that if rain falls tonight conditions in some parts of the city could well be treacherous under wheel and foot tomorrow and they should exercise the appropriate caution."

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