Cotswolds News
Motorists urged to take care as snow due to return to Gloucestershire
4:41pm Thursday 9th February 2012
MOTORISTS in Gloucestershire are being asked to take precautions as sleet and heavy snow is expected this evening and overnight.
The latest forecast is for the snowfall to continue countywide at around 1cm per hour through the night until around 7am tomorrow.
Up to 10cms is expected to fall by the morning and as usual, accumulations are likely to be deeper on higher ground and snow plough operators will be on standby if needed.
A 34-strong team of gritters have been out in force treating all A, B and some C roads and routes to emergency services such as hospitals and fire stations to prepare for the bad weather.
They will also be going out again overnight as the snowfall increases.
Councillor Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member responsible for roads, said: “Our teams will be out all around the county this afternoon treating the roads before the snow hits and ahead of the evening rush hour.
“We are expecting the snow to continue through the night, so driving conditions tomorrow morning may be difficult.”
Updates will be posted on Twitter via @GlosHighways and Twitter users can also use the hashtag #grittertwitter for the very latest on the highway winter response.
Gloucestershire County Council has bigger salt supplies than ever at this time of year after opening two new salt domes – at Cannop and Stroudwater depots - which are fully operational.
The two new domes have boosted salt levels from 9,600 last year to just over 11,000 tonnes this winter.
Lucy Smith, sergeant for traffic management and road safety at Gloucestershire Police, said: “We are set to see the snow coming back so I’m asking motorists to remember the well-established safety tips.
“Think about whether your journey is vital, and if not, try to re-arrange it. If you do set out, let a relative know where you are going and make sure your car is capable of the trip, with tyres correctly inflated.
“To be completely prepared, pack a spade, a flask of hot drink, a torch, blanket, appropriate outdoor clothing, and your mobile phone.”
“It goes without saying that you should slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front. Know your route and listen to local radio or look online before you set out.
“We will of course help motorists who get into difficulties as the weather turns, but following the common sense advice could help avoid trouble altogether.”