Durham County Council are preparing for colder months

Durham County Council has had a delivery of 42,000 tonnes of salt across its depots to tackle any snow and ice on the county's roads in preparation of the colder months. 

The council grits more than 1,060 miles of 'priority one routes' throughout the winter and treats over 200 miles of 'priority two routes' during extended periods of severe weather. 

They have also set up 12 road weather station cameras across the country which also provide updates on road surface conditions, temperatures, wind speed, residual salt levels and humidity, every ten minutes. 

Drivers can then use the cameras to check road conditions and traffic levels to help plan their journeys. 

Durham County Council are ready to "keep the regions roads clear and safe" with 87 gritters and snow blowers all set for the colder weather.

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Cllr John Shuttleworth at one of the council's gritting depots (Image: Durham County Council) Cllr John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety, said: “We are fully committed to ensuring our roads remain clear and safe throughout the winter months.

“Our teams use advanced forecasting systems and data from our weather stations to carefully monitor conditions and determine the best times for gritting our network.

"Often, our expert drivers are on the road by 4am to keep people moving safely and residents can be assured that we are well prepared for all weather conditions.”