Gritters will be out across the county from 7pm this evening (Friday). Any further gritting runs over the weekend will be based on dedicated forecasts from the county council’s weather service and readings from roadside temperatures across Essex.

Residents can get the latest gritting updates on Twitter by following @Essex_Travel.  

The county council's fleet of winter gritters is ready to treat the county’s road network when required, with 120 personnel on standby over a 24hr period.

Essex has a healthy supply of grit available, having restocked to capacity for the start of winter.

The county council is required to focus its gritting resources on keeping major roads clear, so operates a precautionary salting network. This includes all ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, access routes for emergency services, rural link roads and major public transport routes.

In the event of severe weather, residents should take extra care if driving, and only travel if necessary. If you do need to travel, check the condition of your car’s tyres and battery before you leave, and pack an emergency kit (containing items such as warm clothing, bottled water, mobile phone and a torch) in case you get stuck.

Residents are also advised they can take action to clear their own pavements and pathways of snow and ice, as long as they take a careful and common sense approach.

For further advice on safe winter driving and how to clear snow effectively, visit our Winter Service page. 

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation said: “With severe weather forecast for the weekend we are closely monitoring weather forecasts, with our gritting fleet ready to mobilise when required. If you do need to travel please drive with caution and check the condition of your car before you leave.”

Essex County Council is also asking residents to remember the vulnerable during the cold spell.