Gritter lorry overturns on black ice in Devon amid ice warning

Emergency services have warned of “challenging conditions” and black ice after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice across parts of Devon and Cornwall.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said motorists should be mindful of risk of black ice, which was not always visible, as a result of low temperatures combined with recent rain.

The fire service said it was sent to a report of a gritter lorry that overturned on Dousland Road in Princetown, Devon, at 07:10 on Saturday, after skidding on black ice. The driver had to be released from the vehicle, but was uninjured.

The warning for ice was issued from 12:00 GMT on Friday and is due to end at midday on Saturday.

Firefighters said crews released the driver from the vehicle using small battery-operated tools and handed him over to paramedics.

The incident was then handed over to Devon and Cornwall Police to arrange recovery of the vehicle, the service added.

Devon County Council said the driver of the vehicle was said to be uninjured but was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth as a precaution.

Princetown Fire Station said on social media: “Just make people aware roads in the area are treacherous with black ice and are untreated due gritter overturning.

“Please be safe.”

The Met Office said partially thawed snow refreezing, accompanied by freezing fog and a few wintery showers, meant the risk of ice overnight.

Devon County Council Highways said at 07:30 there was temporary road closures due to “adverse road surface conditions”.

This included the B3357 Pork Hill to Princetown, B3212 Dousland to Princetown.

The council has warned drivers and other road users to “take care” on the roads across Devon and urged people to allow additional time for their journey, reduce speed and leave more space between them and the vehicle in front.

It added: “Never assume a road has been salted.

“Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads, leaving them prone to ice, and, in extreme cold, even salting will not stop ice from forming

“Drive with care and according to the conditions.”