School buses cancelled on Friday as Yorkshire Ambulance Service releases update

School buses will not operate on Friday following the heavy snowfall today, West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced.
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The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and bus operators agreed that with freezing conditions expected to continue overnight and into tomorrow the safest course of action, while providing certainty to students and schools, was to suspend services.

A West Yorkshire Combined Authority spokesman said: "We and our operator partners do not take these decisions lightly.

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"Given the very small number of students using school buses during the current national lockdown, uncertainty over which schools will be open and the need to ensure the safety of young people and of drivers we consider this to be the right course of action.”

School buses will not operate on Friday following the heavy snowfall today, West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced.School buses will not operate on Friday following the heavy snowfall today, West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced.
School buses will not operate on Friday following the heavy snowfall today, West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced.

Schools have been told of the decision and will be informing students and parents, the authority said.

Improving weather conditions forecast for the weekend are expected to allow for normal services to resume on Monday January 18.

The announcement came as Yorkshire Ambulance Service described severe "difficulties" caused by the weather conditions.

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Mark Millins, Strategic Commander at the Trust, said: “Due to the very snowy conditions across West, South and North Yorkshire, driving conditions are very difficult and many roads are gridlocked so this is having a severe impact on our operations. We are implementing a number of actions in order to protect our core services for patients and respond to the ongoing demand, including increasing our 4x4 capacity.

“We are asking members of the public to only call us in a serious or life-threatening emergency to help us focus our efforts on our most poorly patients.

“Our dedicated staff are working extremely hard to reach patients as quickly and safely as possible but, understandably, the hazardous driving conditions and blocked roads mean that it is taking us longer than normal in the worst-hit areas.

“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, they should call 999 immediately. For anyone with less serious illnesses and injuries, our NHS 111 service is available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

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“Please take extra care when out driving or walking and, where possible, avoid travelling at all in snowy or icy conditions.

"If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. Also, please stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and well."

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