WILTSHIRE Council has reassured residents across the county that their winter maintenance team is more prepared than ever to keep the roads running smoothly over the next few months.

After the end of every winter, their 24 gritting vehicles get a full service, gritting routes are tested and amended, and closer working arrangements with parishes and other agencies are developed.

The team has more than 11,000 tonnes of salt in stock which is strategically placed throughout the county in six storage sites.

They also have weather stations in key areas which provide real time information and assist in producing accurate forecasts to ensure the gritters are sent out at the right time.

Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways, said: “We can, of course, never predict how severe a winter will be, but the wealth of experience we have means we will be in the best position possible should bad weather hit the county.”

On average it can take up to 140 tonnes of salt to grit Wiltshire’s A and B class roads and 230 tonnes to salt an extended list of roads during prolonged cold weather.

During winter people are urged to keep up to date on the weather and road conditions by following @WiltshireWinter and @WiltshireRoads on Twitter.