Gritting teams across Cambridgeshire are ready for icy weather and are asking motorists to also be prepared for winter motoring too.
The County Council uses environmentally friendly gritters, high-tech weather prediction facilities, up-to-date information using the internet and information leaflets to help motorists get to their destinations.
But motorists are also being asked to do their bit when the icy weather hits.
The 'Winter Gritting and Snow Clearing' leaflet is available from local Highways depots and libraries. It is also available online in the winter maintenance pages.
The County Council will also be keeping motorists up to date using the winter maintenance web pages. People will be able to log on to find out the latest information about the roads and where gritting has taken place.
David Groom, Divisional Maintenance Engineer at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "We are constantly trying to find ways to make the roads safer and we believe drivers can play their part in reducing accidents this winter. We will be posting up-to-date information about the roads on the internet site and I would urge motorists to take the opportunity to look at it before attempting to drive in icy conditions.
"Motorists can also help by driving sensibly in snow or icy conditions. Although major routes are gritted drivers should never assume that all roads have been treated. You need time to react safely to icy road conditions. Cut your speed, don't brake suddenly, drop down a gear to let your engine help with the braking and, above all, anticipate possible problems ahead. Give yourself that time by travelling more slowly than usual and by thinking ahead."
Motorists
Drivers should check that:
- your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the tread depth is correct. Don't forget to check your spare
- your vehicle's lights are clean and in working order
- the wiper system is working effectively
- the washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing
- your battery is fully charged and in good condition
- your anti-freeze is topped up - your garage can do this for you
- clear windows and mirrors before setting out - carry an ice scraper/de-icer
Make sure you can be seen - if the visibility is poor during the day through heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, you must turn on your headlights so that your vehicle can be seen.
In poor visibility, use dipped headlights and only use fog lights when visibility is less than 100 metres. Remember to switch your fog lights off when visibility improves. In rain, fog lights are a hazard for the motorists behind you, so do not use them.
Riders
Motor cyclists and cyclists have a legal responsibility to ensure that their lights are clean, functioning in reduced visibility and are switched on from dusk onwards.
Motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders should also consider wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing to make themselves more noticeable.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians, especially children, need to do everything that they can to make themselves visible on the road. One of the best ways to make yourself seen is by wearing reflective or fluorescent stickers on your shoes. It works because feet are the first thing to be picked out by dipped headlights. The earlier a car driver sees you, the longer they have to react and take avoiding action, if necessary.
Local radio is an excellent way to stay in touch with road and weather conditions:
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
1026 AM or 96.0 FM or 95.7 FM
BBC Radio Peterborough
1449 AM or 95.7 FM
Chiltern FM (Bedford/St Neots)
792 AM or 96.9 FM
Hereward Radio (Peterborough/Fenland)
1332 AM or 102.7 FM
Q-103FM (Cambridge/Newmarket)
103 FM
Star Radio (Cambridge)
107.9 FM
Lite FM (Peterborough)
106.8 FM
Kiss FM (East Anglia)
105.6 FM
For more information, please use the Winter Mainenance link on the left hand side