Essex prepared for more icy weather this week

ESSEX County Council s fleet of winter gritters are prepared to keep the county s road network moving this week, with forecasts predicting the return of icy conditions.  The county has already experienced exceptional weather conditions so far this winter,

ESSEX County Council's fleet of winter gritters are prepared to keep the county's road network moving this week, with forecasts predicting the return of icy conditions.

The county has already experienced exceptional weather conditions so far this winter, and the council has been able to maintain a full gritting service during this time, treating the main road network on a record number of occasions.

The government is continuing to control the national distribution of salt, and ECC has taken steps to ensure that supplies are managed carefully.

The county's fleet of winter gritters treated the county's precautionary network last night (February 8), and further operational decision will be taken on a daily basis this week, depending on forecasts and conditions.

Cabinet member for highways and transportation, Cllr Norman Hume, said: "Our dedicated winter service remains prepared to cope with freezing weather conditions. With temperatures set to fall again this week, our fleet of gritters will be treating the main road network to make sure the county is kept moving.

"I would urge motorists and pedestrians to travel with extreme caution in icy conditions."

Residents can keep updated with the latest situation on the roads by following the new Essex Travel Twitter service (www.twitter.com/Essex_travel).