Staffordshire crews work round the clock to grit roads

Gritting crews have been out multiple times since the first snowfall last weekend

Scores of schools in the county, due for their first day back after the Christmas break, are also closed due to icy and snowy conditions on site.

The latest snowfall comes after a weekend of snow and sub-zero conditions which saw gritting crews out multiple times to help keep roads clear.

All primary and secondary routes have been treated twice throughout the night, with snow ploughs utilised to clear snow off main routes. Hill contractors have also been out multiple times in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

With more cold weather and the possibility of more snow expected, crews will continue to be out across the county throughout today.

Even with multiple treatments, motorists are being asked to drive carefully, plan their journeys and only travel if absolutely necessary.

Road surface temperatures across Staffordshire are currently between -5°C and -9°C. Despite gritting, at these extreme lows even treated roads can freeze.

Forecasts show temperatures will remain below freezing for the next 36 hours, with similar conditions expected overnight.

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:

“Our crews have been working round the clock to treat the network in Staffordshire. Overnight the primary network has had at least two treatments, and crews will be out again throughout the day. They’re doing a fantastic job in some quite tough conditions.

“The cold weather looks set to continue throughout the rest of the week, so we will continue to treat the roads as necessary. Our crews will be working hard to keep Staffordshire moving, but we do ask people to play their part too and drive to the conditions.”

Residents can check Staffordshire County Council’s gritting routes here.

A list of school closures can be found here, but parents are being asked to call their local schools to check.