Warwickshire snows arrive
Warwickshire County Council’s highways team took to the roads last night with two gritting operations and snow ploughs were also on the road from early this morning.
More than 100 schools across Warwickshire had also announced their closure by 8am this morning, and for the latest information visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolclosures
This winter so far has been very mild with just 20 precautionary evening grits, with five in the last week. On these occasions 250 tonnes of salt are put down each night on the highway network to help make road journeys as safe as possible.
County Highways operates the fleet of vehicles from seven depots across the county in order to ensure the essential gritting operations are carried out with minimal delay.
Tim Bowtell, Warwickshire County Council’s Winter Maintenance Activity Manager, said: “We advise drivers to take extra care in snow conditions particularly when approaching junctions. If the falls are heavy only make essential journeys. We are informed the snow should turn to rain later today and early tomorrow.”
Regular updates on weather and highway conditions are being reported to local radio stations and can be seen on Warwickshire Website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roads
The snow clearing activities are being provided by Carillion Road Maintenance contractors who have a seven-year contract for Warwickshire.
Anthony Yates, Contract Manager, said: “We advise drivers to drive slowly and not too close to our gritting vehicles while the flashing lights are in operation that shows salt is being spread. On narrow streets in towns please avoid parking on paths which can block the route of gritters”.