Wiltshire Gritters Take to Roads as Temperatures Drop and Ice Risk Increases

Gritters have been deployed across Wiltshire as colder temperatures bring the risk of icy roads, with motorists being urged to take extra care over the coming days.

Wiltshire Council confirmed that gritting vehicles are heading out over the next couple of nights in preparation for potentially icy conditions.

The deployment comes as temperatures have fallen below 3°C in parts of the West, prompting councils across the region to begin their winter road treatment programmes.

Motorists are being warned that untreated roads could be particularly dangerous, with black ice posing an additional risk during colder periods.

Although gritting helps reduce the likelihood of ice forming, drivers are reminded that treated roads are not guaranteed to remain ice-free, particularly following heavy rain or when temperatures fall further.

Drivers are advised to allow additional time for journeys, reduce their speed when conditions require it and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Anyone coming across a gritting vehicle is also being asked to remain patient and give crews sufficient space to carry out their work safely.

Support for rough sleepers as cold weather arrives

Alongside the winter road preparations, Wiltshire Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in response to the forecast low temperatures.

The council is contacting known rough sleepers and working to help vulnerable people access somewhere warm and safe during the cold weather.

Adrian Foster, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Due to low temperatures forecast over the next few days we are activating our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and contacting all known rough sleepers.

"If people know or notice someone who is sleeping rough, please refer them via Streetlink, so officers can talk to the rough sleeper, help them find a warm place to stay and offer ongoing support."

Streetlink allows members of the public to alert local authorities and outreach services when they see someone sleeping rough.

Gritting operations across the region

The cold weather has also prompted preparations in neighbouring counties.

In Somerset, gritting crews have completed their first road treatments of the autumn after temperatures dropped below 3°C in some areas.

Somerset Council said its priority is to treat well-used routes and roads used by emergency services.

During the previous winter, the council's crews completed more than 1,300 gritting runs over 60 days, covering 131,172 miles across the county.

Gloucestershire is also preparing for colder conditions, with gritting operations scheduled across eastern, western and central parts of the county.

With temperatures expected to remain low, motorists travelling across Wiltshire and surrounding areas are being encouraged to check conditions before setting off and take extra care, particularly during early morning and overnight journeys.

Residents who spot someone sleeping rough can make a referral through Streetlink to help connect them with local support services.