Council warns of '˜treacherous road conditions'

A council spokesperson said: “We are expecting treacherous road conditions this evening. We would advise people to avoid travelling wherever possible during severe weather.

“It’s a constantly changing situation which the council is monitoring closely. We conducted a full gritting round of the city last night (January 11).

“A concern is that if we have rain today this will wash grit and salt away. A subsequent drop in temperature, possibly combined with any snow, sleet or rain, could lead to dangerous road conditions. We will be undertaking another full gritting round from 4pm. As always this covers all ‘A’ roads and other busier roads along which most journeys are made. It cannot cover many lesser routes and residential streets, where extreme care should be taken.”

At the Hollingdean depot, the council’s seven gritters and seven ploughs are standing by, ready to head out to cover all the city’s main roads and bus routes when the temperatures dip below freezing.

When temperatures drop the council pre-salts the roads to prevent ice or frost forming. Pre-salting does not stop the snow from settling unless it is fine sleet, but it helps with ploughing the snow from the roads.

There are also 420 grit bins located in ‘the coldest, steepest parts of the city’ for anyone to make use of, although the council asked residents to use the salt sparingly as the bins will only be refilled during very severe winter conditions.

The council has also asked residents to keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable people in severe weather, who may have needs around food, medicine or care.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “The council is well prepared for winter conditions but in cases of severe weather we need your help too. It’s important that we support each other during severe winter weather such as clearing paths and checking on elderly neighbours.”