WEATHER: Advice from the authorities

SOUTH Yorkshire Police are advising motorists not to drive in the current weather conditions.

A spokesman said: “Police 4x4 vehicles were out overnight, trying to assist with clearing roads and dealing with yesterday's gridlock as cars struggled to move anywhere.

“Snow ploughs have been out this morning attempting to clear main tram routes, some of which are running limited services due to the limited staff available, but conditions are making the clearance of these routes difficult.

“Abandoned cars will make the clearance of roads even more difficult, so the advice is not to attempt to drive anywhere unless absolutely necessary.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has offered the following advice to help keep the public safe from fire and injury.

Ice - Keep off all frozen water. Never go onto ice to help someone who has fallen in, always call for help and don't allow pets to go onto frozen ponds or lakes.

Power cuts - If the electricity fails, keep a battery operated torch to hand and, if possible, a mobile phone in case of emergency.

If you have to use candles or matches, take special care and make sure they are never left unattended.

Open fires - Be careful using open fires to keep warm. Use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks and make sure embers are properly extinguished before going to bed.

Heaters - Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them to dry clothes.

Electric blankets - Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if is switched off.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen Rotherham Borough Council gritters have been out and about this morning.

A spokesman said: "Following the heavy snow fall overnight all our gritters are deployed on main roads and are likely to remain so for the rest of the day.

 "These roads were ploughed and treated four times overnight but the volume of snow means that conditions are still difficult.

"If at all possible people are advised not to travel until conditions improve.

"If you call the Streetpride contact centre please be patient as fewer staff than normal have been able to get in to work."

He also reassured residents that there are no problems with clearing ice and snow from public footpaths outside their homes themselves.

He said: “There's no law stopping residents you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces.

“It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully.”

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We would like to reassure the public that we are making every effort to get to patients as quickly and as safely as possible despite the severe weather conditions and extremely hazardous driving conditions for our ambulance crews.

“We are urging people to take extra care when out walking or driving due to the treacherous conditions and ask that the public only call 999 for an ambulance in a medical emergency when it is obvious that someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.”

YAS also advised patients that planned non-emergency journeys have been cancelled.

But the Patient Transport Service is operating for those with urgent medical needs such as renal and oncology treatments.