The Gritters are out

Gritters are out as cold weather hits Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council's highways teams are geared up to respond to winter as sub-zero temperatures arrive in the borough.

Vehicles from the council's fleet of 20 gritters have been out treating routes across Cheshire East while highways teams are on standby 24/7 ready to respond to any weather-related emergencies.

As well as responding to snow and ice, the highways service is ready to deal with disruption caused by storms, with teams also prepared to face a challenge that is seen right across the country – an increase in potholes as winter sets in.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "The winter months pose many challenges for our highways service, but our teams are well prepared and ready to respond to whatever the conditions may be.

"As temperatures drop, we often receive enquiries from residents wanting to know more about gritting and which roads receive treatment.

"In line with national guidance, our gritting routes consider the category and use of roads, the level of risk and whether the roads serve local amenities, which decides whether a road is gritted or not.

"It means that while not every road in the borough can be treated, our 17 gritting routes cover 678 miles (1,091kms) of Cheshire East's road network.

"As ever, I urge motorists to always drive to the conditions, especially when there have been exceptionally low temperatures, causing our roads to become icy."

The council's website carries detailed information here about gritting routes for this winter, together with advice on what to do in the event of severe winter weather, and how to drive and stay safe in icy conditions.