Gritters will be out in force as temperatures drop this winter. 

Dorset Council says it highways crews are on-call day and night from the start of November to help keep roads open, with twenty five new vehicles in place this year. 

The depots have been restocked with rock salt for gritting operations which cover 684 miles of roads, forming 23 main gritting routes.

These encompass A, B, and well-used C class roads. They also include, links to hospitals  and emergency services stations, routes to schools, primary bus routes and main routes through towns and villages with populations of more than 750.

Roads are treated when surface temperatures are expected to drop below 0.5 degrees Celsius. 

Cllr Jon Andrews reminded drivers to remain cautious, and courteous, while gritters are out and about.

He said: “Conditions can change quickly, so please take care when out and about. If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient and take care on freshly gritted roads.”

“Our crews are on call for 6 months every winter to keep our roads safe, stepping away from their busy regular roles.

"Please be courteous when you see them, whether in the gritter lorry or doing regular highways work. They are working hard to keep Dorset moving and you safe.”