Our gritters are working round-the-clock to keep Leicestershire moving.
Crews are hitting the roads treating key roads across the county.
- Motorists are urged to plan ahead before travelling, stick to main roads and allow extra time
- Ice is expected so take extra care
- Sign up to your school's text alerts and social media to find out about any closures
- Follow Area Traffic Control and listen to local radio for the latest traffic news
- Check whether your recycling and household waste site is open before travelling
The council has a total of 21 gritters and drivers who spread roughly 170 tonnes of rock salt across 45 per cent of the road network.
This year, our grit barns are stocked up with 14,500 tonnes of rock salt - enough to fill three Olympic-size swimming pools – ready to treat key routes across the county and ensure that motorists can still get around.
As the months get colder we are keen to minimise any potential disruption, and we have been preparing to tackle the winter season since the summer.
“We monitor the weather constantly and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters will be ready to treat major roads and key routes, which equate to almost half of the county's road network.
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for highways
In addition to the gritters, there are also a number of snow wardens based in communities across the county who grit paths, as well as farmers who during deep snow, fit ploughs to their tractors and assist us in clearing roads. We also have a team of volunteer 4x4 drivers who will be on hand to deliver hot meals to the elderly, as well as help carers and health visitors reach their patients if there is prolonged heavy snowfall.
We are also encouraging residents to prepare themselves for the cold season by following a few simple steps:
- Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes and keep up to date with local weather using local radio or following the council on twitter;
- Make sure you have your seasonal flu vaccination. 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.nhs.uk/staywell/
- 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.