No snow was forecast overnight (February 10/11) but temperatures set to plummet bringing risk of ice on roads

Forecasts were not showing snow for Worcestershire on Friday evening and overnight but temperatures were expected to dip as low as -9 with gauges falling below freezing in some parts as early as 4pm (February10).

The County Council's fleet of 31 gritters rolled out (February 10) at 3.30pm after working through the night (February 9/10).

All of the designated routes – more than 800 miles worth of road - were being treated with grit by the teams and when that run finished they'll be on standby to go out again if needed.

The team will also take the necessary action over the weekend. For a full weather forecast visit the Met Office website.

Such low temperatures mean drivers could face more challenging conditions, especially as some road surfaces are wet because of the rain and thawed snow.

As ever, motorists making journeys are being asked to take care, drive according to the conditions and never assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds even if it's thought a road has been treated with grit.

Jon Fraser, County Council Highways Customer and Community Manager, said: "It was another busy night for the gritting teams last night (Thursday) and that looks set to continue because of the freezing temperatures expected across Worcestershire tonight (Friday).

"The message is the same to drivers - temper speeds according to the conditions. Icy conditions are expected so please take care if you're making journeys this evening, overnight and tomorrow morning."

For more information about gritting operations visit the dedicated section on the County Council's website www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting 

'Gritter Twitter' will continue to be updated with details on what gritting  teams are doing to make things safer on the roads and safety advice. To follow Worcestershire County Council on Twitter simply visit www.twitter.com/worcscc 

To help anyone making journeys this winter simple advice is on offer to ensure they are not caught out when freezing conditions bite.

It includes:

Maintenance checks

Before you set off on your journey, do you have?

• Anti-freeze in your cooling system?
• Screen wash additive in your windscreen washers?
• At least 1.6mm depth of tread and the correct air pressures in your tyres?
• Clean lenses on your headlights?
• Properly working heaters and demisters?

Making journeys

Planning your journey is vitally important in adverse conditions. Taking the following steps before you leave could prevent problems out on the roads:

• Check the local weather forecast;
• Check the driving conditions on your route with your local radio station;
• Take extra equipment with you, eg. mobile phone, spade, towrope, torch, flask, warm and highly visible clothing and spare pieces of old carpet to place under your wheels for traction in case you get stuck in snow and;
• Make sure someone at your destination is expecting you at a certain time.

Adjust your driving to the conditions

• Driving on ice or snow needs extra care:
• Use dipped headlights and drive more slowly than usual;
• Allow up to ten times your normal stopping distance;
• Keep your distance from vehicles ahead of you;
• To avoid skidding, brake very gently or ease off the accelerator early;
• If you have to abandon your vehicle try not to block the road; snow ploughs, gritters and emergency vehicles may need to come past and; 
• Keep windscreens clean.