GRITTERS will be out across Ceredigion tonight in preparation for expected frost as Wales is set to be hit by a cold spell this weekend.

Ceredigion County Council posted on social media this afternoon – Friday, November 24 – that their gritters will be out across the primary routes along the county as there is a danger of frost overnight tonight.

The council stated that the gritters will also be out when needed over the coming days.

Each of the lorries used has a snowplough to move snow to the road verge – when needed on snowy days – and is fitted with communications technology so the location and progress can be monitored.

They target the primary roads first and the routes are all pre-planned.

There are a number of grit and salt bins where people can treat local trouble spots themselves if needed.

The predetermined routes cover around 463km of roads in the county – around 20 per cent of the rods – and includes the trunk and principal road system as well as the most important B, C and Unclassified roads. The roads are chosen based on which are the most critically important to the majority of road users in Ceredigion.

The council advises motorists to plan their route carefully and where possible, to use treated roads that have been incorporated into the routes.

They also advise to drive more carefully in icy conditions and to slow down as soon as you are aware of ice and to steer gently and avoid harsh breaking. Drivers are also advised to maintain a safe distance from winter service vehicles and overtake very carefully as gritting lorries are designed to spread salt across the entire width of the carriageway.

The council also advises that despite their best efforts, there may still be ice present after this salting and gritting has been carried out.

Find out more about the precautionary routes and about the council’s work to ensure the safety of roads during winter at Highways During Winter - Ceredigion County Council