Gritting team on standby

Buy photos » Coun John Smith, cabinet member for highways and transport, with gritter driver Juan Ortiz. (s)

GRITTERS will be out on the county's roads as temperatures dip below this week.

It is the first time the fleet has been used this winter since being put on standby in mid-October. Forecasts predict a freezing Bonfire Night, with temperatures reaching as low as minus two on road surfaces.

All 31 vehicles will leave depots about 7pm, using the first of the 13,000 tonnes of grit available across Worcestershire for the winter.

They are equipped with the latest technology, pioneered in Europe, which uses a brine solution on salt before it is placed on the roads meaning it works quicker and helps grit stay on the highways.

But motorists are being urged to drive with caution, even on roads which have been treated, making sure they complete maintenance checks and plan journeys carefully before setting off.

Coun John Smith, responsible for highways and transport on the county council, said: "The teams have been ready to go for a few weeks and the forecasts suggest it's going to be a cold one overnight so they will be rolling out this evening for the first time this season.

"The message to drivers is very familiar but still just as important as ever. Please take care when temperatures dip because grit will never be a miracle cure.

"Never assume that it's safe to travel at normal speeds when it's icy, even if you think roads may have been treated."

Visit www.twitter.com/worcscc to following the Gritter Twitter or log on to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting for more information about routes, grit bins and reporting problems.

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