SOMERSET County Council’s highways team is ready for winter with 7,000 tonnes of grit and seven new gritters.

Salt barns across Somerset are now fully stocked and the fleet of 23 gritters is on standby to treat 900 miles of road every time ice is expected.

Cllr John Woodman, cabinet member for highways, said: “We work hard throughout the year to prepare for winter and even at the height of summer we’re busy restocking our salt barns, checking equipment and getting everything in place for when the temperature drops.

“We all hope our services won’t be required just yet, but please be assured we’re checking the forecasts and are ready to go.”

The council receives detailed forecasts every day and will send the gritters out whenever road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below 1C and frost or ice is expected.

Precautionary salting normally takes place in the evening or early morning but additional action may be required during extreme weather.

However, drivers are warned that not all roads are treated and salt does not always prevent ice forming in very cold or wet conditions.

Updates on gritting activity, live travel information and roads alerts are available throughout the winter on the council’s dedicated highways Twitter account – @TravelSomerset.

Winter updates are also available at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting, along with gritting maps and further information about the council’s winter maintenance programme.