Gritters have been out on the streets of Brighton and Hove again as temperatures hover around freezing.
Weather forecasts suggest the possibility of a light dusting of snow tomorrow (Saturday 27 November) or, at best, cold rain.
Brighton and Hove City Council said that although the forecasts were not predicting heavy snow, the weather was being monitored and further gritting would take place if necessary.
Sussex Police also issued a snow and ice warning to drivers.
The council said earlier today: “Brighton and Hove’s gritters have been out over the last three nights and there is now a good bed of salt on the roads.”
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “We are well prepared and are ready to respond if weather conditions worsen.
“Highways and Cityclean staff are on duty over the weekend and we also have staff on standby.”
The council said that it had been checking more than 400 grit bins across Brighton and Hove all week.
It said that in extreme conditions grit would be dropped at pre-identified locations.
Councillor Theobald added: “We will do all we can but we cannot grit every road and pavement and we must balance our resources to make sure we use them wisely throughout the winter period.
“We really appreciate the contribution of our residents and businesses in doing their bit to clear snow and help neighbours.”
Sussex Police said that drivers should take extra care during this deepening cold spell.
Chief Inspector Di Roskilly from the Road Policing Unit said: “It sounds obvious but there are still people who take risks with their own and others’ safety by failing to defrost and demist their windscreens in the morning.
“If you are involved in a collision and the fact that you could not see where you were going is a contributory factor you could be charged with either careless or dangerous driving.
“Cause a death and you could be looking at up to 14 Christmases behind bars.
“Leave sufficient time in the morning to defrost your windscreen and other windows.
“Ensure that the screen wash is topped up and isn’t frozen and that windscreen wipers and tyres are maintained in good condition.
“Officers will be conducting checks on vehicle condition as part of the current drink and drug driving campaign.”
She also warned about the risk of leaving a car unattended while defrosting.
Ch Insp Roskilly said: “Unattended vehicles offer a tempting target for the opportunist thief looking to remove sat navs and other valuables that you might only just have put in the car.
“It’s also a golden opportunity for someone to hop in and drive away.
“Once you’re safely under way, remember, drive carefully, slow down and take account of the icy conditions.
“Leave more time for your journey and ensure you leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can stop safely if you need to.”
To find out more about safer winter driving go to www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk/winter-driving.html.
