Bradford district brought to halt by Easter week snow - live updates (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford district brought to halt by Easter week snow - live updates
9:50am Wednesday 4th April 2012 in News
By David Barnett, Content Editor
A Megabus skidded across Halifax Road at Buttershaw. Picture sent in by reader Rosalind Denham, from Woodside
Heavy snowfalls overnight have brought chaos to the Bradford district's roads this morning.
Most people in the area woke up to a heavy blanket of snow, with driving conditions, particularly in hilly areas, rendered treacherous.
New at 9.45am: Metro has just posted the latest public transport disruptions: "The whole of Bradford is experiencing delays and congestion due to widespread snow."
209/219/229 Service – Currently diverting, not serving Hartshead.
253 not serving East Bierley
268 running via M606. Not serving Oakenshaw and Odsal Top.
271 operating running via M606 and not serving Oakenshaw and Odsal Top.
283 not serving East Bierley
425 and 427 not serving A650 Morley-Bradford
539 not serving Stainland.
576 experincing severe delays due to drifting snow at Swailesmoor Road
615 616 617 618 delays due to HGV jack-knifed on Allerton Road [both directions]. Services to terminate at Chapel Lane.
696 & 697 running between Keighley & Cullingworth, and not serving Denholme.
737 delays expected.
747 delays expected.
A629 Halifax Road closed due to snow between B6145 Thornton Road (Denholme) and Whitehill Road (Halifax). Many surrounding routes are also affected by the poor weather.
The West Yorkshire passenger transport service Metro reported at 7.30am: "Snow and icy conditions across West Yorkshire are delaying traffic and bus services.
"Arriva is reporting that all services are running on main main roads only."
Leeds-Bradford airport was warning of disruption to flights to/ from Leeds Bradford Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers advised to check the status
There have been chaotic scenes across the district with the snowfall making some roads hazardous with one coach driver smashing into a wall on the Halifax Road when he lost control of his vehicle.
That incident happened at 8am this morning as the driver travelled to Shelf and it has blocked both lanes of the road. It is not known if the driver or any of his passengers were injured.
A HGV driver also got stuck on the M606 at the traffic lights at 7.10am as he tried to get up the hill, while a car collided with a wall in Highgate, Clayton Heights at 5.30am.
A lorry driver got into difficulty just before 6am in Great Horton Road when his vehicle got stuck because the snow was level with the kerb and a large branch was blocking traffic in Tong Street, Holme Wood.
On Cottingley Cliffe Road, Bingley, two cars collided at 7.45am this morning, but that was not thought to be weather related.
Police officers were sent to try to ease heavy congestion on the A650 Bingley bypass by directing traffic at Saltaire roundabout.
A spokesman said that advice to motorists was to drive with care while the conditions remained bad and to avoid blocking junctions.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for Yorkshire and The Humber and said that up to five cm of snow was expected in some places above 200metres with as much as 10 to 15cm possible above 300metres.
“Little, if any, snow is expected to accumulate on roads and pavements below 200m. The area of rain, sleet and snow will clear from the north during Wednesday,” the Met Office said.
Check back here throughout the day for the latest updates and log on to our live travel feed for as-it-happens road reports.
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Comments(58)
PeterBooth
says...
8:05am Wed 4 Apr 12
Apollo
says...
8:20am Wed 4 Apr 12
Mike Strutter wrote:Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor.
It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!
They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later.
Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads.
Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
Dannyp1892
says...
8:25am Wed 4 Apr 12
Joedavid
says...
8:41am Wed 4 Apr 12
Snow stops Bradford!
Once again this Council let us down.
Local elections coming so we have a chance to get 30 NEW people on the Council.
Patrick Bateman
says...
9:03am Wed 4 Apr 12
hector0007
says...
9:09am Wed 4 Apr 12
Mike Strutter wrote:Roads in Bingley were gritted yesterday afternoon and late into the evening on the bypass.
It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!
I suggest you do what Mr Cameron suggest under the "big society" and buy your own plough and grit if you think the council is rubbish at its job.
collos25
says...
9:25am Wed 4 Apr 12
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
9:26am Wed 4 Apr 12
Gritters had done the roads last night in preparation. Took me no extra time other than to clear my car to get to work.
Can't go pointing fingers at the council on this one round my area.
MontyLeMar
says...
9:28am Wed 4 Apr 12
BD16
says...
9:31am Wed 4 Apr 12
Apollo wrote:They were out in Bingley at around 17:00 as well. The forecast I saw said snow was expected above 200 metres which is about 650 feet. I don't live that high but we still had snow.
Mike Strutter wrote: It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor. They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later. Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads. Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
You can blame Bradford council for many things, and we do, but I think they have done a decent job on this occasion.
mad matt
says...
9:32am Wed 4 Apr 12
Albion.
says...
9:37am Wed 4 Apr 12
Joedavid wrote:To be fair, the snow has stopped everywhere that was in it's path, gritters can only achieve so much and they have been out.
What a surprise!
Snow stops Bradford!
Once again this Council let us down.
Local elections coming so we have a chance to get 30 NEW people on the Council.
markjoe
says...
10:18am Wed 4 Apr 12
BD16 wrote:You can as the gritters were out at about tea time last what about the rest of the time. It's not very well managed, they should be out earlier in the morning to clear the roads before the main rush hour, that's what they are there for. We no doubt have more than enough grit as its not been needed every much this winter. I have also noticed that the new grit spray\spreader that is on the back of the wagons is useless, they drive too fast and as soon as the grit is dispensed is drifts to the curb with the back draft from the wagon. The people who grit the pavements seem to have the task well in hand though.
Apollo wrote:They were out in Bingley at around 17:00 as well. The forecast I saw said snow was expected above 200 metres which is about 650 feet. I don't live that high but we still had snow.
Mike Strutter wrote: It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor. They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later. Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads. Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
You can blame Bradford council for many things, and we do, but I think they have done a decent job on this occasion.
roofie321
says...
10:19am Wed 4 Apr 12
Dave Barnett
says...
10:24am Wed 4 Apr 12
roofie321 wrote:No, it's Wilsden, because I took it myself.
The picture of main street in Wilsden is actually low moor!!! and I don't know why you bother with the headlines, there is always chaos in Bradford when it snows, we are used to it now, be gone soon anyway
moshiemonster
says...
10:26am Wed 4 Apr 12
I dont see how the Council can be blamed for freak weather.
lullabylady
says...
10:42am Wed 4 Apr 12
Mutha.Slimer
says...
10:59am Wed 4 Apr 12
36a
says...
11:07am Wed 4 Apr 12
I supect the council looks at a map and sends out gritters to primary routes. However a map is flat. We have hills. The hill routes need dealing with more than Manningham Lane and the pavements in Keighley
Albion.
says...
11:17am Wed 4 Apr 12
Mutha.Slimer wrote:Nah! He'll be too preoccupied with wife number four!
I blame Galloway ;-))
Apollo
says...
11:19am Wed 4 Apr 12
36a wrote:Yes, but who in their right minds this morning would have thought 'I will drive up to Queensbury' as part of my normal route?
Denholme to Queensbury still impassible at 9:30am. I supect the council looks at a map and sends out gritters to primary routes. However a map is flat. We have hills. The hill routes need dealing with more than Manningham Lane and the pavements in Keighley
You would not drive up to Queensbury and expect it to be better would you?
There are some complete idiots out on the roads this morning. No amount of gritting can help morons.
BD16
says...
11:45am Wed 4 Apr 12
markjoe wrote:Snow was expected on higher ground but we got it a lot lower than forecast. Combined with a strong wind it created conditions that no ammount of gritting could have coped with.
BD16 wrote:You can as the gritters were out at about tea time last what about the rest of the time. It's not very well managed, they should be out earlier in the morning to clear the roads before the main rush hour, that's what they are there for. We no doubt have more than enough grit as its not been needed every much this winter. I have also noticed that the new grit spray\spreader that is on the back of the wagons is useless, they drive too fast and as soon as the grit is dispensed is drifts to the curb with the back draft from the wagon. The people who grit the pavements seem to have the task well in hand though.Apollo wrote:They were out in Bingley at around 17:00 as well. The forecast I saw said snow was expected above 200 metres which is about 650 feet. I don't live that high but we still had snow. You can blame Bradford council for many things, and we do, but I think they have done a decent job on this occasion.Mike Strutter wrote: It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor. They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later. Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads. Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
36a
says...
12:04pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Apollo wrote:Agreed I would not have attempted to drive up towards Queensbury.
36a wrote: Denholme to Queensbury still impassible at 9:30am. I supect the council looks at a map and sends out gritters to primary routes. However a map is flat. We have hills. The hill routes need dealing with more than Manningham Lane and the pavements in KeighleyYes, but who in their right minds this morning would have thought 'I will drive up to Queensbury' as part of my normal route? You would not drive up to Queensbury and expect it to be better would you? There are some complete idiots out on the roads this morning. No amount of gritting can help morons.
I live part way up towards Queensbury, and was going down to Keighley.
It was nice that they had gritted the pavements at Ingrow..... really helpful where there was no snow
BigFigure
says...
12:17pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Mike Strutter wrote:Think Mr Strutter has this comment on file to trot out at the first sign of snow....
It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet.
This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!
justjustice
says...
12:28pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Stern_and_concerned_in_Shipley
says...
12:29pm Wed 4 Apr 12
I would not have taken the grit from the bottom of our street for the path to my pond had I known this. The council have (again) *yawn* a lot to answer for.
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
12:30pm Wed 4 Apr 12
markjoe wrote:My friend works for the council and I saw he had put on facebook last night they were back on call and standby for the impending snow. As much as I'd like to hang the council and councillors and all who sail in her at present we can't hold em to task on every little matter. This snow, although forecast has had a massive negative impact on all the towns and cities it has fallen over.
BD16 wrote:You can as the gritters were out at about tea time last what about the rest of the time. It's not very well managed, they should be out earlier in the morning to clear the roads before the main rush hour, that's what they are there for. We no doubt have more than enough grit as its not been needed every much this winter. I have also noticed that the new grit spray\spreader that is on the back of the wagons is useless, they drive too fast and as soon as the grit is dispensed is drifts to the curb with the back draft from the wagon. The people who grit the pavements seem to have the task well in hand though.
Apollo wrote:They were out in Bingley at around 17:00 as well. The forecast I saw said snow was expected above 200 metres which is about 650 feet. I don't live that high but we still had snow.
Mike Strutter wrote: It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor. They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later. Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads. Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
You can blame Bradford council for many things, and we do, but I think they have done a decent job on this occasion.
Yorkshire Lass
says...
12:43pm Wed 4 Apr 12
dtjscott
says...
12:59pm Wed 4 Apr 12
BigFigure
says...
1:03pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Pete Sam
says...
1:04pm Wed 4 Apr 12
.
Can't wait 'till Galloway gets rid of the scum in City Hall.
Old Peculiar
says...
1:06pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Dave Barnett wrote:He's right - unless the Wilsden Cricket Club have relocated to Low Moor.......
roofie321 wrote: The picture of main street in Wilsden is actually low moor!!! and I don't know why you bother with the headlines, there is always chaos in Bradford when it snows, we are used to it now, be gone soon anywayNo, it's Wilsden, because I took it myself.
BD16
says...
1:10pm Wed 4 Apr 12
justjustice wrote:I know the T&A's PC commissars have reduced us to commenting on only the weather, but even allowing for that your comment is left field.
Why have we waited until an election to remove the councillors? Why didnt we force them out years ago with a vote of no confidence due to the endless mistakes they have made one after another.
basil fawlty
says...
1:18pm Wed 4 Apr 12
BigFigure
says...
1:35pm Wed 4 Apr 12
basil fawlty wrote:Led by Gorgeous George,of course
Send out Bradford Council to clear the snow .... they produce lots of hot air
BigFigure
says...
1:39pm Wed 4 Apr 12
BigFigure wrote:And Look North reporting the council's incompetence extending across Calderdale, Kirklees and into South Yorkshire. Heads must roll.
BBC reporting chaos across Co Durham and North Yorkshire....seems Bradford Council has a lot to answer for
AMDRAM
says...
1:49pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
2:14pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Dave Barnett wrote:They won't believe you Dave, in fact I'm surprised your pic hasn't had negative reviews due to it not being clear of fuzz and a snowy picture.
roofie321 wrote:No, it's Wilsden, because I took it myself.
The picture of main street in Wilsden is actually low moor!!! and I don't know why you bother with the headlines, there is always chaos in Bradford when it snows, we are used to it now, be gone soon anyway
roofie321
says...
2:43pm Wed 4 Apr 12
citizen smith
says...
3:19pm Wed 4 Apr 12
roofie321 wrote:Roofie, maybe you live in Wilsden really? Have you checked the sign at the end of your road recently?
looks uncannily like near where I live sorry don't believe you Dave Barnett
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
3:21pm Wed 4 Apr 12
TirNaNog
says...
4:30pm Wed 4 Apr 12
roofie321
says...
4:31pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Mike Strutter
says...
4:49pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Apollo wrote:Well I got home from work at 7pm so didn't manage to see the one at 5pm !!
Mike Strutter wrote:Sorry Mike but the gritters were definitely out at teatime yesterday in Queensbury. One passed me at West End at about 1700 and I then followed another one down to Halifax where it turned at the boundary at the end of Swales Moor.
It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet. This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!
They were out on time for when the snow was forecast at about 1800 although it fell a little later.
Grit would not have helped greatly overnight as the snow was accompanied by very high winds which rapidly covered the roads.
Ploughs would help in that situation but the gritters were out and on time.
Let me add to this post then. This morning when admittedly a gritter would have been useless, I didn't see any ploughs (I live on a main road where the ploughs would have to pass) until lunch time.
Why weren't they ploughing from 6am ? Queensbury was at a standstill until around 11am and a plough wasn't in sight.
Good job I worked from home !!
yorkshiredude
says...
4:51pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Mike Strutter
says...
4:54pm Wed 4 Apr 12
BigFigure wrote:No !!
Mike Strutter wrote:Think Mr Strutter has this comment on file to trot out at the first sign of snow....
It started snowing in Queensbury at 7pm last night and I haven't seen one plough or gritter yet.
This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!
Look, I think the council have done a great job this year with gritting etc.
However on this occasion it was forecast well in advance and whilst it's OK sending gritters in Bingley and lower areas with little snow fall they can't exactly plough Queensbury when they are elsewhere.
There were 5ft snow drifts up here, everywhere else had a lick of it !!
Oxenhoper
says...
4:58pm Wed 4 Apr 12
yangyeight
says...
5:17pm Wed 4 Apr 12
TirNaNog wrote:exactly, no-one can drive in snow.
Why don't some of the drivers take some responsibilty for the gridlock. Some of their antics this morning were laughable. Entering roundabouts even though their exit was blocked but God forbid they'll let other traffic out who aren't even wanting the same exit! Let's face it most people have no idea how to drive in the snow including PSV employees apparently!
its the i don't give way for no-one selfish attitude that causes half the problems.
Outraged English Subject
says...
5:19pm Wed 4 Apr 12
yangyeight wrote:So true!
TirNaNog wrote:exactly, no-one can drive in snow.
Why don't some of the drivers take some responsibilty for the gridlock. Some of their antics this morning were laughable. Entering roundabouts even though their exit was blocked but God forbid they'll let other traffic out who aren't even wanting the same exit! Let's face it most people have no idea how to drive in the snow including PSV employees apparently!
its the i don't give way for no-one selfish attitude that causes half the problems.
yangyeight
says...
5:23pm Wed 4 Apr 12
i used to grit outside my house on the road but now i just grit the pavement with the small amount i BORROWED from work!!
sure i read something about council being 5m in credit with their budget........
Patrick Bateman
says...
6:18pm Wed 4 Apr 12
yangyeight wrote:They removed ours too. Ours is a steep road and potentially very hazardous. Apparently they're (the dept. responsible) will be 'reviewing' their grit-bin allocation strategy this summer. Quite a dismal service considering the council tax they must rake in around here..
the idea about gritting yourself would work if the council had not taking the grit bin away!
i used to grit outside my house on the road but now i just grit the pavement with the small amount i BORROWED from work!!
sure i read something about council being 5m in credit with their budget........
Colin Allcars
says...
7:07pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Outraged English Subject
says...
8:38pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Colin Allcars wrote:Although walking speeds can vary greatly depending on factors such as height, weight, age, terrain, surface, load, culture, effort, and fitness, the average human walking speed is about 5 kilometres per hour (km/h), or about 3 miles per hour (mph). 40 minutes to walk 2 miles x 2, 1 hour 20 minutes to walk to work and back, on average. You’re not disabled or in a wheelchair are you! "so lazy" NOT!
Is there no one in Bradford who lives within 2 miles of where they work, or are they all so lazy that they are happy to contribute to traffic delays instead of walking to work?
Mike Strutter
says...
9:38pm Wed 4 Apr 12
Colin Allcars wrote:I work in Leeds and I reckon many others do also. If it's not escaped your notice it is a city about 5-20 miles from Bradford depending where in Bradford you live and it has more jobs than Bradford. Therefore I'd expect Bradford to be well within its catchment area !!!
Is there no one in Bradford who lives within 2 miles of where they work, or are they all so lazy that they are happy to contribute to traffic delays instead of walking to work?
I'm not walking 20 miles !!
Town Hall
says...
11:04pm Wed 4 Apr 12
It was these people devoid of any common sense who caused the snarl up in Bradford this morning; the standard of driving was appalling. I accept not everyone can drive in these conditions so why even attempt to? Why anyone in their right mind would try to negotiate Brighouse/Denholme road in these conditions, let alone in a rear wheel drive car is beyond me, drivers (I use the term loosely) blocking exits into and off roundabouts and major junctions so traffic cannot flow freely, abandoning/parking their cars without consideration for others are just a few of the reasons the Gritters cannot do their job.
There are two types of Drivers, those who can, and steering wheel attendants. Sadly most of this mornings fell into the latter category.
tallulah
says...
12:53pm Thu 5 Apr 12
Colin Allcars
says...
7:03pm Thu 5 Apr 12
Mike Strutter wrote:I'm not expecting you to! But you can't tell me that everyone needs their car on days like Wednesday's.
Colin Allcars wrote: Is there no one in Bradford who lives within 2 miles of where they work, or are they all so lazy that they are happy to contribute to traffic delays instead of walking to work?I work in Leeds and I reckon many others do also. If it's not escaped your notice it is a city about 5-20 miles from Bradford depending where in Bradford you live and it has more jobs than Bradford. Therefore I'd expect Bradford to be well within its catchment area !!! I'm not walking 20 miles !!
i don't know if you've noticed but some people get to work whatever the circumstances
Mike Strutter says...
7:53am Wed 4 Apr 12
This was forecast for gods sake !!! Did the councils tuck the gritters up for spring !!!!