Thousands of leaflets are being distributed to motorists as Bradford Council gears up for a bitter winter.

The Council has set aside more than £1 million for a snow plan this winter which will swing into action if the district is hit by severe weather.

Now leaflets have been produced which help motorists prepare their vehicles for winter and give checklists of what to do in bad conditions to keep travellers safe.

It includes a basic map outlining roads which will be treated as a priority in bad conditions. Drivers are also being told about gritting operations and given a list of contacts carrying snow information bulletins.

Council emergency services will be on 24-hour standby in coming months while the authority's hi-tech ice prediction equipment has been upgraded.

Councillor Phil Thornton, chairman of the Council's highways sub-committee, said: "We have produced the leaflets because we want people to be fully aware of the winter maintenance plan so they can work with us when the winter weather arrives.

"People should, of course, take extra care and ensure they keep junctions clear and do not drive too close to the car in front."

Drivers are advised to consider delaying the time they leave work to allow crews to complete the gritting run and not trap them in traffic. The appeal follows gridlock in the city centre three years ago when people rushed to get home.

The leaflet also warns motorists that it is better to travel on main roads which have been treated rather than to use untreated minor ones. It also suggests the alternative of public transport.

Drivers are warned to carry warm clothing, hot drinks, food, wellingtons, a torch and shovel in extreme conditions.

The leaflets will be available from this week at Council offices, libraries, sports centres, housing offices and petrol stations across the district.

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