Derbyshire residents are being terrorised by black ice today (Saturday, November 23) which has seen cars stuck across the county.
Derbyshire woke up to a morning of chaos as motorists were stranded after another night of light snow and freezing temperatures. Various roads have become treacherous, with cars unable to move due to thick layers of ice.
Light overnight snow followed by rainfall has frozen on the ground, creating sheets of ice that are impassable in some areas. In several cases, drivers have been forced to turn back or find alternative routes.
WATCH: Derby sees first snowfall
Others, unable to gain any traction, have had to abandon their vehicles entirely. Reports have come in from various parts of the county, highlighting widespread disruption:
Areas Affected Across Derbyshire
Reports have come in from various parts of the county, highlighting widespread disruption:
Normanton: Several side roads remain iced over, leaving vehicles skidding and unable to ascend slopes.
Long Eaton: Drivers have been struggling on untreated residential roads where black ice is barely visible.
Chesterfield: Slush and refrozen water on main routes have turned intersections into hazardous zones.
High Peak: Icy patches on rural roads have caused significant delays, with some vehicles stuck on narrow lanes.
Amber Valley: Commuters report multiple minor accidents and abandoned cars on untreated back roads.
Black Ice in Matlock, Chesterfield and surrounding areas
Motorists across Derbyshire have been sharing their experiences navigating the icy roads this morning. Opinions vary, with some highlighting difficult conditions while others report manageable routes.
One driver described the Chesterfield to Matlock road near Flying Mile as particularly challenging, noting, “Cars are turning around as it doesn’t seem to have been gritted.” Another motorist agreed, calling the route from Matlock to Chesterfield “awful and unexpected,” advising others to take extra care.
Others found certain areas more manageable. A driver who travelled through Tansley and Handley said the roads were “clear,” and another mentioned that Slack Hill, often notorious for icy conditions, was “just slushy but fine if you take it steady.”
Contrasting reports came in about gritting activity. One commuter recalled seeing a gritter on the Chesterfield road around 4:30 am but remarked that snowfall afterwards might have undone its effects. Another, driving from North Wingfield, described feeling like they were in “a twilight zone” when rain quickly turned into unexpected snow.
These mixed accounts highlight how unpredictable road conditions are this morning, underscoring the importance of driving cautiously and staying informed.
Other areas of Derbyshire affected by black ice
Drivers and passengers in Derbyshire continue to share updates on road conditions as the mix of snow, rain, and ice causes disruption across the county.
One passenger travelling along Cromford Hill urged caution, sharing a photo of the slippery road and advising others to “please be careful.” In nearby Darley Dale, conditions are described as “raining and very slushy,” while in Matlock, locals report rainfall at the hilltops, quickly melting the remaining snow.
Further north, Lower Hackney is seeing a similar situation with snow melting rapidly. A resident joked, “Get sandbags at the ready,” warning about potential water runoff. Meanwhile, in Chesterfield, locals note that snow is disappearing quickly but still caution drivers to take care.
Despite improving conditions in some areas due to rain, roads remain unpredictable, with some spots still icy and dangerous. Drivers are urged to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The Dangers of Ice on Roads
Ice presents one of the most dangerous conditions for motorists. After snow and rain, the residual water freezes overnight, creating a smooth, nearly invisible layer of ice.
Known as black ice, this phenomenon is particularly hazardous as it provides little to no warning for drivers.
Vehicles lose grip on icy surfaces, causing skidding and a lack of control. Even at low speeds, braking distances can multiply, significantly increasing the risk of collisions. Pedestrians are also at risk, with icy pavements leading to slips and falls.
Council Efforts to Grit Roads
Derbyshire County Council has dispatched its fleet of gritters to treat primary routes since snow began this week. Gritting teams are focusing on main roads and busier streets before moving on to secondary and residential routes.
Gritting in Derbyshire: Ensuring Safety During Winter Weather
Derby Council has ramped up efforts to grit and clear roads as freezing temperatures and icy conditions continue to grip the county. With a fleet of specialist vehicles and round-the-clock teams, the council aims to keep roads as safe and accessible as possible while minimizing disruptions caused by severe winter weather.
Where Gritting is Taking Place
Gritting in Derbyshire is strategically divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and principal routes, ensuring that the most critical areas are treated first.
Primary Routes
Covering around 1,000 miles of road, these include major A roads, busy B roads, and heavily used bus routes. Roads leading to essential services like hospitals, schools, and emergency service stations are also prioritized. Pre-treatment of these routes begins before bad weather strikes, with continuous 24-hour gritting when conditions demand.
Secondary Routes
Stretching across 550 miles, these roads include main streets within residential areas, routes to smaller villages, and less-busy bus routes. Gritting of secondary routes is typically completed during the day to avoid parked cars blocking gritting vehicles.
Principal Routes
In extreme weather conditions, resources are focused on keeping a smaller, critical network of roads open. These routes are vital for linking communities and ensuring access to hospitals. Secondary and other less-critical roads are only treated after the principal routes have been fully cleared.
The council also collaborates with farmers and contractors to clear snow from roads not included in these networks, ensuring rural areas remain accessible.
Why Gritting is Done and When It Happens
Gritting is a preventive measure taken to reduce the risk of ice forming on roads and to improve traction in snowy or icy conditions. The council relies on detailed weather forecasts that provide real-time data on road surface temperatures, precipitation, and freezing conditions. This information guides decisions on when and where to grit.
Primary routes are pre-treated ahead of snow and freezing rain, while secondary and principal routes are treated as conditions worsen. In cases of heavy snowfall or prolonged freezing, the focus shifts to keeping key link roads open before attending to secondary networks.
How Gritting Works and Why It’s Important
Grit, or rock salt, lowers the freezing point of water, preventing the formation of ice on treated surfaces. When spread on snow or existing ice, it also helps create traction for vehicles. Gritting is most effective when combined with the movement of vehicles, which spreads the salt evenly across the road surface.
By prioritizing gritting on main roads, the council ensures that essential transport and emergency services can operate efficiently during winter. Without gritting, icy roads could lead to accidents, delays, and even road closures, severely impacting daily life and safety across the county.
Staying Safe on Icy Roads
Driving in icy conditions requires extra care and preparation. Here are some essential safety tips for motorists:
Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for longer braking distances on slippery roads.
Maintain Distance: Keep at least ten times the normal following distance between your car and the vehicle ahead.
Use Higher Gears: Start in second gear to avoid wheel spin and accelerate gradually.
Plan Your Route: Stick to main roads and gritted routes wherever possible. Avoid steep inclines and narrow roads.
Pack Essentials: Carry a winter emergency kit, including a blanket, water, phone charger, and a torch.
Pedestrians are also urged to take caution on icy pavements, wearing shoes with good grip and avoiding unnecessary journeys.
Council Commitment to Winter Road Safety
Derbyshire County Council’s gritting teams are working tirelessly to ensure roads remain safe and accessible this winter. With continuous updates, collaborative efforts, and proactive treatment strategies, the council is tackling icy conditions head-on to keep the county moving. Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow advice to navigate safely during this challenging season.
How Gritting Helps
Gritting roads involves spreading a mixture of salt and, in some cases, grit or sand onto surfaces to prevent the formation of ice. The salt lowers the freezing point of water, reducing the likelihood of icy patches forming.
On roads already covered in snow or ice, grit helps vehicles gain traction, minimizing the risk of skidding. However, its effectiveness depends on timing—gritting before rain can wash it away or after ice has already formed reduces its impact.
Gritting is most effective when combined with traffic, as the movement of cars helps to spread the salt more evenly across the road surface.
Safety Tips for Driving on Icy Roads
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when venturing out in icy conditions. Follow these safety tips to minimize risks:
Reduce Speed: Drive slower than usual, as icy roads significantly increase stopping distances.
Use Higher Gears: Pull away in second gear to reduce wheel spin, and avoid harsh acceleration or braking.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain at least 10 times the normal distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Steer gently and avoid sharp turns or abrupt braking.
Plan Your Journey: Stick to main, gritted routes and avoid hilly or narrow roads where possible.
Be Prepared: Carry essentials like a blanket, water, and a phone charger in case of delays.
Conclusion
As Derbyshire battles the icy conditions, motorists are reminded to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. With council gritters working round the clock, conditions should improve in the coming hours. Until then, patience and caution are essential to navigate this winter chaos safely.
