Gritters at the ready as temperatures drop across Bromsgrove

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GRITTERS will be out on the county's main roads this evening (Tuesday) as temperatures dip below zero.

Worcestershire County Council's fleet will be covering primary routes from 6pm as a precaution and motorists are being urged to drive with caution.

Those travelling out in freezing conditions are urged to carry out a number of maintenance checks on their cars.

They include ensuring there is sufficient anti-freeze in their cooling system, making sure there is the non-freeze screen wash additive in windscreen washers, checking tyres have at least 1.6mm depth of tread and that they are inflated to the correct air pressures. Lenses on headlights should also be cleaned and heaters and demisters should be in full working order.

Weather forecasts and driving conditions should be checked prior to journeys and extra equipment should be carried in the car. That includes a mobile phone, spade, towrope, torch, flask, warm and highly visible clothing and spare pieces of old carpet to place under wheels for traction, in case of snow.

They should also ensure someone at their destination is expecting them at a certain time.

Motorists should also adjust their driving for the conditions - they should drive slower, use dipped headlights, allow ten times the usual stopping distance, keep their distance from vehicles in front and brake gently.

Anyone needing to abandon their vehicle should try not to block the road as it could hamper snow-ploughs, gritters and emergency vehicles, which may need to get through.

Anyone looking to find out more can visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting

The section allows visitors to use interactive maps to follow the designated routes, pinpoint their nearest grit bin and report any problems the winter's harsh weather may bring via the web.

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