Gritters are out as snow and ice forecast
MOTORISTS across Leicestershire are being urged to take extra care on roads across the county this week.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
And there is a good chance of further snow, possibly heavy, on Thursday and Friday although the forecasts are changing by the hour.
Leicestershire County Council’s gritting teams were out on Monday and Tuesday night to treat the roads and will be on standby to go out as the week progresses.
Since the end of October, gritters have spread approximately 4,700 tonnes of rock salt across more than 40,000 miles of major key routes.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We are keen to minimise disruption on the road. We’re not able to grit the entire highways network so we would urge the public to be extra careful on their commutes and keep to the main routes when travelling.
“We are constantly monitoring the weather and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters are ready to treat major roads and key routes, which equate to almost half of the county’s road network.”
The council is also encouraging residents to prepare themselves for the cold season by following a few simple steps:
Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes by visiting www.leicestershire.gov.uk/gritting and keep up to date with local weather using the local radio or following the council on twitter;
Make sure you have your seasonal flu vaccina- tion. Washing your hands will help avoid transmitting cold and flu viruses. Free vaccines are offered to people considered to be at risk of flu, more information can be found by visiting www. bettercareleicester.nhs.uk/help-us-help-you/;
Keep your home warm. Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed. The county council’s Warm Homes service helps vulnerable people to save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills, for advice visit www.firstcontactplus.org.uk or call 0116 305 4286.
For more information on winter maintenance in Leicestershire, and for advice about winter driving and snow clearance of the paths outside your property, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ gritting or follow the council on Twitter @LeicsCountyHall