DRIVERS have been asked to make way for winter gritters and ensure they are not blocking important routes.

North Yorkshire County Council has earmarked £7m for winter maintenance and expects to grit up to 54 per cent of roads across the county. But there are concerns about on street parking which has already caused problems this year.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: "So far two routes have been partially affected because the gritter wagon couldn’t get through, which is not only dangerous for motorists having to drive on untreated roads but fire engines or ambulances would also have problems.

"We understand many drivers have to park on the public highway, but ask every care is taken to leave plenty of space for larger vehicles like our gritters to get past."