GRITTERS have been out across Wirral from 8pm yesterday as the Met Office put the peninsula on a “yellow” alert warning for snow.

Winter weather has swept across the UK bringing disruption to rush-hour traffic.

The Met Office issued an amber "be prepared" alert across central and southern Scotland today, with Wales, Northern Ireland and much of England also on alert.

Wirral has ten full size gritters and two mini-gritters available for use for winter operations and snow ploughs will also be available . 

The ten main gritting routes are continually assessed to ensure that major bus routes, certain school routes and strategic vehicle routes across Wirral are treated. 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We have a duty as a local authority to keep people moving safely even when it’s icy or there has been snowfall.

“We are as prepared as we can be – salt stocks have been replenished and we have snow ploughs available to be attached to the ten main gritting vehicles, which will be invaluable if we get snowfall.” 

Darron Burness, from the AA's severe weather team, said: "It's a case of 'expect the unexpected' and drive accordingly."

The Met Office said yesterday: "The public should be prepared for the risk of disruption and difficult driving conditions."

The yellow "be aware" warning for snow and ice remains in place across most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with sleet and snow showers possible.