Calderdale Council responds to major road problems caused by the snow and why their gritters got caught in traffic

Commuters were faced with long delays and many schools opened later than usual due to traffic and dangerous driving conditions caused by the snow that fell overnight.

Some roads appeared to be untreated by Calderdale Council and the authority has now responded on its Facebook page explaining what happened and why gritters got stuck in traffic.

A spokesperson said: "Teams were out gritting primary and secondary routes all last night and were on their third treatment by 4.30am when the snow came.

"Despite this, unfortunately many people still experienced major disruption across our road network.

"When we grit a road, further snowfall can lay on top of the salt and cover it, which makes it look like we have not gritted.

"Salt spread on the roads has little effect on melting snow on its own.

"We need vehicles to drive on it to mix the salt with the ice and snow.

"This creates a saline solution that has a lower freezing point, and only then will the snow and ice melt.

"Whilst allowing vehicles to activate the salt, the timing of the snowfall during the morning commute caused some of our gritters to get caught in traffic.

"Much of the snow is now melting which means there is a lot of surface water about, so please continue to take extra care on the roads.

"We are continuing to monitor the forecast and will be ready to respond again tonight if required."