Road gritters claim to be ready

Unexpected snowfalls brought traffic to a standstill in January

Gritting crews in the East are better prepared than last winter to deal with severe weather hitting the road network, the Highways Agency (HA) says.

Lorries, loaded with gritting salt, and snowploughs are already on standby for any cold snap.

The HA says it has plans in place to tackle ice and snow on trunk roads in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambs.

Many motorists and heavy goods drivers were caught out last winter on the M11 and M25 motorways in Essex and Cambs.

'Prepare for winter motoring'

Mike Wherrett, HA operations manager in the east of England, said: "We are advising road users that they too must be ready for winter."

But steps have also been taken to warn road users early if conditions are likely to deteriorate.

Archie Robertson, HA chief executive, said: "Our systems are better tested than ever and we stand ready to keep the network open and available during poor weather.

"A new partnership with the Met Office means that we should be able to give road users the best possible information when they have to travel in poor conditions."