GRITTERS will be on the road tonight as the borough is set to be hit with the first cold snap of winter.

The risk of ice on roads across east Cheshire is set to increase following recent heavy rain and plummeting temperatures over the next week.

Snow is also forecast on higher ground in the east of the borough towards the end of the week.

The fleet of 19 vehicles will undertake nightly gritting of 1,090km of primary roads. They will be out every night until at least early next week.

All-terrain quad bikes with attachable snowploughs and towable gritters are to be sent to footways and roads with restricted access.

The Council’s winter maintenance season began in October but the mild and wet weather has meant the gritters have rarely been needed.

Gritting teams were only deployed twice in the whole of December compared to a monthly average of 15 trips.

Councillor David Brown, deputy leader for Cheshire East Council and cabinet member in charge of highways, said: “This week is winter as we expect it to be. December, with persistent wet and mild weather, was exceptional.

“For the gritters to have been deployed less than a handful of times by Christmas was very unusual. Instead, our highways teams had issues such as heavy rain and flooding to contend with.

“Because of all the rain we have had recently, which is still pouring off open land and hillsides and onto our roads, there is a real risk of ice over the next few days as this surface water freezes.

“Our gritting teams will do their job and reduce the risk of roads icing, but we still ask residents to drive with extra care during these difficult conditions. Put safety first to ensure an accident free journey home.”

For gritting routes, salt bin information and tips for travelling during winter visit http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/about_cheshire_east/winter_in_cheshire_east/winter_in_cheshire_east.aspx

Gritting decisions will also be communicated on Twitter @CECHighways.

Cheshire East highways’ team can be contacted by calling 0300 123 5020.