Gritters, and farmers with snow ploughs, are out in Harborough and Melton today (Thursday) helping to clear deep snow and keep the county moving.
Leicestershire County Council's network of farmers - who fit ploughs to their tractors – also hit the roads last night (Wednesday) to clear roads affected by heavy snow.
The council's fleet of 21 gritters is working round-the-clock during sub-zero temperatures to treat main routes across the county. The vehicles will be out twice overnight, and throughout the icy snap.
Our gritters are out day-and-night to help keep the county moving, and we’re working with farmers to clear the snowiest areas. We treat almost half of the network but we would urge people to keep up-to-date with travel advice, and allow extra time and stick to gritted routes if they have to travel.
We constantly monitor the weather and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters is ready to treat major roads and key routes
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for highways
Forty-five per cent of the network is treated, including most A roads, some B and C class roads and, as far as is possible, at least one route through villages.
As well as the gritting fleet, the council has:
- Snow wardens based in communities gritted paths
- Farmers fitted snowploughs to their tractors to help clear heavy snow
- Volunteer 4x4 drivers delivered hot meals to the elderly, and helped carers and health visitors reach their patients
The council is also encouraging residents to:
- Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes
- Check your local school’s website and social media channels in case they have to close
- If you’re out and about check on an elderly neighbour to make sure they are okay
- 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.
- Find out about our Warm Homes service - helps vulnerable people to save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills