Gritters are being prepared to be sent out by National Highways next week, as a period of cold weather is due.

Met Office forecasters are predicting a change to cooler conditions during this weekend and into next week.

Showers from the north could fall as snow over the high ground in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland.

Ice is likely to be an ongoing hazard for most from Sunday (January 15) onwards.

As a result, National Highways has advised drivers to plan out their journey and allow for more time to complete it.

Oxford Mail: National Highways have warned drivers to be careful around grittersNational Highways have warned drivers to be careful around gritters (Image: PA)

Additionally, it has also warned motorists to give gritters plenty of space and time on the road after revealing one of its vehicles was hit by another vehicle while out salt spreading earlier this winter.

Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Manager, at National Highways said: “We would ask all road users to take extra care when driving when our gritters are out on our road.

“Whilst gritters travel up to 50mph when spreading road users need to be aware of the road and traffic ahead of them. We have had an incident this winter where the rear of a gritter was hit. We ask all road users to give our staff time and space to do their job safely, and if you see our vehicles indicating to change lanes please do what you can to safely help us to do this.

“Not all roads will need treating on any given day. Gritters may need to go out in some regions if road temperatures fall below +1 degrees C, and if there is a risk of frost or ice forming, but not in other areas if conditions are not as cold.

“National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated - whenever it is needed. 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.

“For road users we suggest [to] always check the weather forecasts, plan your journey, allowing more time for travel in wintry conditions, and carry out regular vehicle checks such as your coolant and tyre pressures.”