As the colder weather has swept across the country, Rutland County Council's Highways Service have been out in force gritting Rutland's main roads in order to ensure they are safe for users during the cold snap.

Winter is the busiest time of year for the Council's Highways Service, who monitor weather forecasts closely for advanced warnings of freezing temperatures and snow. Road conditions are monitored 24/7 throughout the winter period so that gritters and other emergency equipment can be deployed at a moment's notice, if needed.

The Council's Winter Maintenance period runs from October through to the spring and gritters have already been out several times to combat overnight frosts. Gritting operations are carried out by the Council's highways contractor, Tarmac.

Rutland County Councils Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Highways, Planning and Transport, Cllr Rosemary Powell, said: "With sub-zero temperatures well and truly upon us, our Highways Service Team are working around the clock to ensure our roads are safe. Winter weather can be a health risk and even pose a threat to life. We work closely with local communities to keep roads and footways accessible but need motorists to do their bit as well, by taking care and driving to the conditions." 

During periods of winter weather, Rutland County Council focuses on gritting major A and B roads around the county, as well as access routes into villages and main routes to doctors' surgeries and schools. The Council will also treat the main footways in town centres when snow is forecast. However, it is not possible to treat the entire highway network or to keep treated parts completely clear at all times, which is why we must strongly urge road users to be extremely cautious when driving in the current conditions.

Further information about the Council's winter services, including information about gritting routes and safety advice, head online.