Devon's gritters called into action ahead of cold snap

Devon’s gritting teams have been called into action this morning in preparation for the cold spell which is forecast to sweep across the county from tonight.

Arctic air is expected to bring freezing temperatures which are likely to continue into next week. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning in the north of the county for the possibility of icy patches, particularly on untreated surfaces, and there is the risk of wintry showers on higher ground.

Gritters have been treating secondary salting routes this morning, with plans in place for a repeat treatment on Friday.

With road surface temperatures expected to drop below zero right across the county this evening, the county’s main precautionary salting network will also be treated this evening from around 7pm, which will mean that gritters will have covered just over 2,000 miles of Devon’s roads today.

Devon’s snow wardens have also been asked to be on alert to monitor conditions on their local roads over the next few days in case it becomes a prolonged cold spell.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The remainder of this week is forecast to be the coldest of this winter so far and although it’s uncertain how long this cold spell will last it could continue into next week. Fortunately, conditions are a lot drier and brighter than they have been of late, but there is a chance of wintry showers on higher ground. Water run-off from land adjacent to the highway could freeze and lead to icy patches, especially on untreated roads.

"We’re making sure that gritters carry out precautionary treatments throughout today and this evening. We would urge everyone on Devon's roads to be aware of the possibility of icy conditions over the next few days and into the weekend. Please leave extra time for your journey and take extra care.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert covering England from tonight.

The County Council is in regular contact with care providers that it commissions, providing them with guidance and advice on business continuity planning including during bad winter weather, and ensuring arrangements are in place to maintain services wherever possible, prioritising according to assessments of risk and need where necessary.

The County Council is reminding people of the following advice when on Devon's roads:

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
• Allow additional time for your journey;
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.

For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert