Council’s winter roads service up and running and drivers advised to be prepared

Cheshire East Council’s highways service is ready for winter and drivers are urged to prepare for changing road conditions and think carefully before venturing out.

The highways team has made changes to the way it manages its winter services in response to the pandemic, which were put into operation in early December.

Gritters were out dealing with snow-covered roads on the higher routes of the borough in early December and some gritting has been necessary on other routes, even though temperatures have been relatively mild for the time of year.

Contingency plans are in place but the council is warning that the Covid-19 pandemic could affect the level of service if staff have to isolate. As teams work closely together, any positive test for Covid could mean a number of drivers having to isolate.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “I want to thank our highways service for their commitment to the task of keeping our roads safe this winter and for the care they have taken in protecting themselves and their colleagues from this dreadful virus.

“Naturally, we hope that no one becomes ill but, as motorists, we need to understand that the normally high level of service they deliver could be impacted. If this were to occur, we would issue further communications to let motorists know. 

“And, as we all know, if roads do become icy or snow-covered, we should adapt our driving behaviour accordingly.

“Currently, Cheshire East highways is able to continue its normal 24/7 service through the festive period and routes will be gritted where necessary.”

The council’s highways service has a team of experienced drivers and supervisors and a modern fleet of well-maintained vehicles with GPS navigation, vehicle tracking and automated salt spreading.

Salt stocks are complete and vehicles undergo regular and thorough cleansing. Depots have contingency plans in place should staff have to self-isolate, while gangs operate in their own ‘gang bubbles’.

Motorists are asked to be ready for winter conditions by:

● Checking windscreen wash, wipers, lights and demisters;

● Checking tyre conditions and tread depth;

● Creating extra space between the vehicle in front;

● Being aware that some road markings may become difficult to see;

● Taking care at junctions;

● Clearing snow and ice off your vehicle before driving and keeping de-icer handy; and

● Keeping emergency equipment, such as torch, shovel jump leads and blanket, in your vehicle.