Motorists have been urged to take extra precautions when considering whether to overtake gritters.

With snow forecast this week, National Highways is reminding motorists to give gritting vehicles time and space while they are out on the roads.

National Highways manages 4,500 miles of A-roads and motorways and has around 530 gritters available.

Darren Clark, severe weather resilience manager at National Highways, said: “If you are going to pass us, please do so courteously, pass us safely and legally, or even better, if you are able to stay back, you will actually help the salt on the road activate even more quickly by crushing and breaking it into the road surface which benefits everyone."

He added that some of its fleet may come off at junctions or return to depots while other vehicles take over, lowering any inconvenience to motorists.

"We thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding," he said.

National Highways said its teams are monitoring the Met Office weather forecasts along with road weather forecasts from meteorological experts MetDesk about changing road surface temperatures.

Mr Clark said: “Not all roads will need treating on any given day. 

“We are armed with the latest technology, forecasting intelligence and years of experience to help us make informed decisions about where and when we need to spread salt to help keep road users safe in even the most adverse weather conditions.”

National Highways said it has invested £44million over two years replacing 252 gritters and can provide one gritter for every eight miles of road. 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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