The drivers who hit snow plagued roads when others are urged to stay indoors

Owen Hughes

20 November 2024 at 4:06 am·2-min read

Road closures, treacherous conditions and snow warnings are usually good signs to stay indoors - a message most are happy to listen to. But for a group of drivers this is when they come out in force.

Motorists often get caught out when snow and ice hits. This was highlighted last night when heavy snowfall blanketed the A55 in Flintshire and also the A483 towards Wrexham, as well as countless other smaller roads.

As often happens vehicles became stuck in the snow with some drivers abandoning them. But as the emergency services become overloaded with requests for help one group swoops in, as happened last night.

The drivers from 4x4 Response Wales heeded the call for help. It is a voluntary organisation whose members use their own 4×4 vehicles to support the emergency services, care suppliers and the NHS when floods, ice or snow hit.

Their controller on the night got their first call at 8pm. A short time later volunteer responders were on the road.

In total last night they had 10 vehicles taking part in rescues on the road network. They did a total of 1,000 miles over the evening and put in 100 combined hours.

They came to assist police to move stuck cars and lorries - taking them off the road network or helping drivers get to a position where they could safely drive again.

This then frees up the road to allow ploughs and gritters to get through and get the whole network moving again. They also assisted in getting hospital staff to work helping ensure they are there for those who need them.

On social there were words of praise for those who came out to assist during the snow chaos. One person said: "Massive thanks to the man in the Land rover who is towing stranded cars off the A55 to Dobshill service station, one of whom was my son."

For more on 4×4 Response Wales and how to volunteer or donate visit their website.

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