Forecasters are warning sleet and even snow are possible for the first time this year, although the worst hit areas may be restricted to high ground.
And Middlesbrough’s gritting fleet is ready for action ahead of the first cold snap of the season.
Last year the teams used around 4,500 tonnes of road salt during 56 planned gritting operations.
For the forthcoming winter season 4,000 tonnes are once again available in the barn at Cargo Fleet and, as in previous years, further stocks will be available from Boulby if required.
The gritter fleet is currently at six, with five vehicles for the Priority Routes and one spare on standby to cover breakdowns and maintenance or to provide additional cover in severe conditions.
Salt bins will once again be deployed to ensure minor routes are kept clear, while extra resources will also be made available to ensure town centre roads and pavements remain safe and passable.
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment, said: “Although we’re still in meteorological autumn, it’s been unseasonably warm with just a handful of early morning frosts.
“That rarely lasts, and temperatures are set to drop this week with the possibility of sleet and even snow – it may just be on high ground but it always pays to be prepared especially if you’re travelling to work first thing on a morning.
“As ever our brilliant gritting crews are on standby to keep our vital road network clear and safe over the coming months and I’m confident we’ll be ready for whatever the weather can throw at us.”
• The popular winter weather feature can be accessed via the home page of the Middlesbrough Council website throughout the winter months, with regular updates on grit stocks, weather forecasts and road conditions.
For more information visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/
