AS WINTER well and truly sets in Dorset Council have confirmed they are ready to tackle icy roads over the festive period.

The authority, through Travel Dorset, has said they have 53 people on standby ‘to keep the highway network safe’ over Christmas from ice, fallen trees and flooding.

Plenty of salt is in stock along with gritting lorries ready to go at any moment, although Travel Dorset did say they hope to not be too busy over the Christmas period.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Our highways operatives are on-call throughout the winter, with 24 drivers available for each 12-hour period, and make a real difference in keeping commuters, deliveries and vital services safely on the road.

“Going out whenever the road surface temperature looks set to go below one degree, day or night, our gritting crews may go unseen, but they are very much appreciated.”