WITH freezing temperatures and signs of snow among us, gritters were out around the county lastnight salting key routes.

To keep drivers safe on the roads, gritters were out at various times throughout the night and this morning, spreading salt over 1,000 miles of the county's roads.

The run will cover all primary routes including roads to emergency services like hospitals and fire stations, as well as most frequent bus routes.

This year Gloucestershire has just over 12,000 tonnes of salt in store, treble the amount held six years ago, with covered salt domes based in Stroudwater, Cannop, Moreton and Cirencester.

In extreme conditions, local snow plough operators and snow wardens are out in the community to help clear snow off local roads so that the county council can concentrate on keeping the main roads open.

There are also over 100 salt hand-spreaders out with the communities ready for the colder spells and the council has delivered over 1000 bags of salt to local parish councils for this coming winter season.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "The weather forecast at the moment is saying to expect some snow. Although this is likely to be fairly light we are anticipating some disruption to the roads as people head off to work in the morning.

"The team will continue to monitor the local weather conditions and our advice to motorists, particularly in areas that are prone to more snow and ice, is to take care and proceed with caution."

Follow @GlosCC and @Glos_Police on Twitter for updates. For tips on driving in icy conditions and to find out where our gritters will be visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/winter.

For the latest Met Office updates, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk.