ROAD-users battled treacherous conditions yesterday after the sub-zero temperatures rendered grit useless.

Worcestershire County Council urged people not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

Gritting teams were out in force in the city centre from 6pm Sunday and 1.30pm yesterday.

Many questioned whether the roads had been treated.

Highways chiefs insisted they had, but pointed out that sub-zero temperatures reduced the effectiveness of the grit.

Alison Duncan, of Lechmere Crescent, St John’s, drove her son into town yesterday.

“Cars are skidding all over the place in the town centre,” she said. “I’m disgusted with the state of the roads.

“The main roads are fine but it seems like they have completely avoided the city centre.”

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s customer and community manager, said: “Unfortunately due to the exceptionally cold conditions the effectiveness of the grit has been reduced, however once temperatures have risen and traffic has passed over the road the residual grit on the network should start working more effectively and conditions are expected to improve.

“We also have hand gritting and clearing teams out in city centres. Our advice to residents is do not drive unless absolutely necessary and temper driving to the road conditions.”

• The A38 Roman Way northbound in Droitwich was closed yesterday because of a jackknifed lorry. Traffic was re-directed as recovery work was carried out on the A442 Kidderminster Road (Berry Hill Island).

• The road was also closed southbound due to accident between A4133 Ombersley Way (Copcut Island) and B4090 Worcester Road / Addyes Way / Celvestune Way just before 1pm.

• A car crashed into the pelican crossing on cathedral roundabout yesterday morning, leaving the traffic lights temperatures out of order.

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