UPDATED: Public advised they can drive on Cumbria's roads with caution

All lower level roads in the south and west of the county, which were less affected than the north and east, are clear, a few high level roads in these areas remain closed.

Back roads and high roads should still be avoided where possible and drivers are always advised to drive to the conditions of the road in front of you.

There are still a number of roads in the north and east (and high roads) that are closed. Work will continue to clear closed roads as swiftly as possible in these adverse conditions, many roads are anticipated to open throughout the day.

The speed restrictions on the M6 have been lifted and the A69 was also reopened this morning following a coordinated multiagency approach to clear it.

The following roads are currently still closed:

·       A66 closed Appleby to the snow gates

·       A686 Hartside, Melmerby to Alston: closed 

·       A689 Brampton to Alston: closed

·       A592 Kirkstone Pass: full length closed

·       A592 Dalemain: closed due to drifting snow

·       U4046 and C4028, Corney Fell Road: A595 Waberthwaite to A595 Duddon Bridge

·       Cold Fell: full length closed

·       Birker Fell: full length closed 

·       Hardknott Pass: full length closed     

·       Honister Pass: full length closed       

·       Newlands Pass: full length closed     

·       Steel Brow, Frizington: full length closed     

·       Dearham to Crosby Road: temporary full length closure due to road traffic collision.

·       B5299 Snow Hill to Mealsgate: closed due to drifting snow

·       C2055 Caldbeck to Hesket Newmarket: passable with care             

·       U5001 The Struggle on Kirkstone Pass: closed

·       Unclassified Road off A680 to Rigmaden Bridge: closed      

·       A6 Penrith to Shap: passable with Care        

·       A685 Grayrigg: passable with Care   

·       Newby Bridge to Hawkshead: closed tree down

·       A5091: closed due to drifting snow  

·       B5320 Eamont Bridge to Pooley Bridge: closed due to drifting snow                      

·       Colby to Appleby: closed due to drifting snow

·       B5305 Goose Green to Penrith: passable with care 

·       Great Corby: closed due to drifting snow

Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “Following the hard work by all emergency services and partner agencies, we are now advising that the public are able to drive in the County, but, please do so with care and always drive to the conditions in front of you. We would also advise drivers to stick to main roads.

“If you do plan on travelling make sure you dress appropriately, warm layers, make sure your phone has a full battery, take medication with you, plenty of provisions and blankets in case your journey meets delays or you should find yourself stuck in your vehicle.

“Please also be aware that night fall will bring heightened hazards, things you can see now such as ice and snow become that much harder in the dark. If you must travel in the dark please take care, slow down, and check your car is road worthy such as oil, lights, petrol, working breaks and tyre tread before you make your journey.

“Thank you to all our officers and partners who have together, been working around the clock, to keep the people of Cumbria safe. I would also like to thank the people of Cumbria for their ongoing support and cooperation.”

Dozens of schools are closed today due to the weather. A full list can be found at http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/16054093.Full_list_of_school_closures_across_Cumbria/