Conditions vary across the county, and the roads are not automatically salted every time there is a forecast of frost.
We consider
- whether or not the road surfaces are wet or dry
- the likelihood of rain or snow
- if there is any salt already on the roads from previous salting runs
Despite the high level of service, no guarantee can be given that the roads will always be completely free of snow and ice.
Some roads carry high volumes of traffic and congestion can occur at peak periods. In adverse weather when there is congestion, the gritters cannot make progress and difficult and dangerous driving conditions may occur.
Sudden weather changes still occur and motorists should be aware that
- access to the road network is not always possible - even for the gritters - if conditions are really bad
- it takes time for the salt to become effective after roads are salted
- rain can wash salt off roads leaving them prone to re-icing
- in really severe weather, even salt will not prevent the roads from icing up
- rush hour snowfall - when rain turns to snow coinciding with the rush hour, early salting cannot take place as it would be washed away and gritters cannot make progress due to traffic congestion