GRITTERS have been out on Warrington’s roads and motorways and will continue to do so throughout this week.

It is the first significant operation of this autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads as temperatures dip across the country.

National Highways, which operates England’s 4,500-mile strategic road network, is urging drivers to take care during the poor weather while also giving gritting teams space to operate.

Warrington Borough Council’s own gritting teams have also been deployed across the town.

Essential advice for motorists this winter season is to stick to main roads where you can and only travel if necessary.

You should slow down, as it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions, while using a high gear will help avoid wheel spin.

Leave a longer gap than normal with the car in front, try not to brake suddenly, be extra cautious at road junctions and only overtake gritters if it is safe to do so.

Darren Clark, severe weather resilience manager at National Highways, said: “We manage a huge roads network nationwide, so not all roads will need treating on any given day.

“Gritters may need to go out in some regions if road temperatures fall below 1C, and if there is a risk of 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.”

National Highways has around 530 gritter vehicles available this winter carrying up to around 12,000kg of salt.

The agency says it is keen for motorists to give gritter vehicles the time and space they need to do their jobs and keep us all safe.

Darren added: “As our gritting teams go out more and more to spread salt on the roads this coming autumn and winter season, our message is simple to all road users.

“Please be patient and give us the time and space to do what we need to do to keep you safe.

“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.

“We are once again totally committed to working around the clock on these seasonal operations to keep all road users safe, and we thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding this autumn and winter season.”