Stoke-on-Trent's Snow Ploughs are back out tonight as temperatures drop

Snow ploughs are expected to be out in force across Stoke-on-Trent in the next few days clearing the white-stuff ahead of the gritting run.

Specialist equipment will be fitted to the gritting lorries in order to clear any snow that has fallen on A, B and some C roads.

The ploughs make the vehicles wider and the highways team is urging motorists to avoid parking on the gritting routes so that the lorries have enough room to manoeuvre.

It is vital that the carriageways are cleared before salt is spread as the treatment does not take effect if there is snow on the ground.

The five-day forecast is predicting significant levels of snow fall and temperatures that will plummet to a bitter -5 degrees.

The eight-strong fleet of gritters will be treating the roads from 6pm this evening.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said: “The gritting team is geared up to provide a robust around the clock response as the cold weather continues to worsen.

“To enable the crews to make the highways as safe as possible and to keep motorists on the move, we need drivers to steer clear of parking on A, B and C roads. This will allow the ploughs to travel through the city, removing snow before the roads are treated with salt. This is vital to the success of the gritting operation. I would also urge motorists to be extra vigilant during the cold snap and to only drive when it is absolutely necessary.”

The weather has also caused problems for the refuse lorries which have been unable to travel along some residential streets.

The team is asking people to be patient and has assured them if they leave their bins out they will be collected as soon as possible. They can also leave out any additional rubbish bags that have accumulated due to the delay.

Dedicated decision makers monitor the weather forecast 24 hours a day and make a judgement on when to send the gritting vehicles out.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has a salt stock of around 2,500 tonnes and uses around 23 tonnes of grit during each run.

There are 450 grit bins across the area which residents can use to treat roads and footpaths in their area.

For more information visit www.stoke.gov.uk/gritting