OXFORDSHIRE County Council spent yesterday readying its fleet of 31 gritters in preparation for today’s wintry conditions.
Last night forecasters were warning of heavy rain and high winds, which could turn into sleet or snow in the early morning and during the morning commute.
The council’s gritters were yesterday ready to treat 1,200 miles of the county’s roads if the conditions got worse.
Lorraine Lindsay Gale, cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, said: “We will be ready with our gritters, however treating roads is not a cure-all for tackling poor winter conditions. Motorists need to use common sense and drive to the conditions.”
The council’s fire and rescue service advises drivers to keep a blanket, shovel and wellington boots in the car during particularly bad weather.
During heavy rain, snow or hail use dipped headlights, and fog lamps if visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less.
It also suggests completely clearing the car of ice and snow, fully demisting windows and, if the conditions are particularly bad, informing people of expected arrival time and route.
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